Islamic Cleric Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Murdering Client Over Land Prayer Scam

Osun Cleric to Die by Hanging for Killing Client Over Fake Land Prayer

A High Court in Osun State has sentenced Islamic cleric Kabiru Ibrahim to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his client, Lukman Adeleke, whom he was consulting for spiritually over a land transaction.

The verdict, delivered by Justice Lateef Adegoke, followed a shocking confession by the cleric and a trail of evidence, including the discovery of the victim’s remains in a sack along the Ilesa/Akure expressway.

"The prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt," said Justice Adegoke.

How the Murder Happened

According to the Information Officer of the Ministry of Justice, Opeyemi Bello, and prosecution counsel Abiodun Badiora, the tragic events began in 2016, when Adeleke sought Ibrahim’s spiritual help before paying for a plot of land.

• Ibrahim asked the victim to bring ₦300,000 for an overnight prayer.

• Adeleke went missing shortly after the supposed ritual.

• A community member revealed he had taken Adeleke to the cleric’s house just before he disappeared.

Ibrahim initially denied any involvement, claiming he hadn’t seen Adeleke in over two weeks. But under police interrogation, he confessed to the murder and led officers to the spot where Adeleke’s body was dumped in a sack.

The victim’s palm had been severed, suggesting possible ritual motives.

The Evidence Against the Cleric

The prosecution presented:

• Ibrahim’s extrajudicial confession

• Photographic evidence of the crime scene

• Testimonies from six witnesses

Ibrahim was also convicted of stealing ₦300,000 from Adeleke, for which he received a seven-year prison sentence.

Justice Served, but Questions Remain

The sentencing has sent shockwaves through the community, reopening discussions around:

• Ritual-related killings

• Abuse of spiritual authority in land and money matters

• The need for stricter regulation of religious consultants

The Osun State Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for victims and their families.