In a shocking case that has drawn attention across the state, 41-year-old Olasunkanmi Kareem was sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti for attempting to murder his former boss, Omoboriwo Bashiru, by setting him ablaze. The incident occurred in August 2024 and has raised significant concerns about personal conflicts escalating into violent acts.
Kareem was arraigned in court on November 18, 2024, facing a one-count charge of attempted murder. The charge was based on Section 241 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, which punishes anyone who attempts to unlawfully take another person’s life.
The life-threatening encounter occurred on the night of August 11, 2024, in Ifaki Ekiti, when Kareem, who had once worked as an apprentice in Bashiru’s mechanic workshop, attempted to kill his former boss. The two had a history of a working relationship, which appeared to deteriorate after Kareem became abusive toward Bashiru over an unresolved issue with a car part.
According to Bashiru’s testimony in court, Kareem had called him earlier that evening about a carburetor that Bashiru had helped repair. When Bashiru informed Kareem that he had not seen the part, the conversation took a hostile turn. Kareem allegedly became abusive, threatening to set Bashiru on fire wherever he found him.
At first, Bashiru thought that Kareem was merely making idle threats. However, when Kareem called again later and gave him a location to meet, Bashiru agreed to go, unaware of what awaited him.
The two met at a vulcanizer’s workshop in the area, where an argument ensued. Bashiru recounted that he was taken by surprise when Kareem suddenly poured petrol on him. The attack escalated when Kareem set him on fire.
“I tried to run, but I was already on fire. I fell into a drainage before some passersby rescued me and put out the flames,” Bashiru said in his testimony. “I suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital immediately after the incident.”
Following the attack, Bashiru was quickly taken to the hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries. His case was brought before the court, where the prosecution presented four witnesses, including statements from the victim, photographs of his injuries, and a medical report confirming the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
Kareem, who did not call any witnesses to defend himself, admitted to the crime during his testimony but gave no reason for his violent actions. He maintained a calm demeanor, offering little explanation for why he had chosen to resort to such extreme violence.
The defense’s lack of a clear explanation, along with the overwhelming evidence against Kareem, worked in favor of the prosecution. The judge, Justice Jibril Aladejana, described Kareem’s actions as “deliberate and malicious.” He noted that, had it not been for the timely intervention of passersby, Bashiru would likely have lost his life.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Aladejana emphasized the gravity of Kareem’s actions. “The facts before the court show that the defendant lured the victim to a location, ambushed him behind an electric pole, and poured petrol on him before setting him on fire,” he said. “This was not an accidental act. The defendant deliberately set out to harm the victim.”
Justice Aladejana further stated that the intervention of bystanders, who helped put out the flames, was the only reason Bashiru survived the attack. “This intentional act of causing grievous bodily harm amounts to attempted murder,” he concluded.
Given the severe nature of the crime, Justice Aladejana ruled that Kareem’s actions warranted the harshest penalty. “The defendant does not deserve leniency,” the judge declared. “He should face the full wrath of the law.” With that, he sentenced Olasunkanmi Kareem to life imprisonment.
The verdict has generated mixed reactions from the local community, with many expressing relief that justice has been served. Some have praised the swift action of the court, while others have noted the growing trend of violent incidents that arise from personal and professional conflicts.
In a statement following the judgment, the Ekiti State Police Command welcomed the decision, noting that it sent a strong message to others who might be tempted to resort to violence in moments of frustration. The police reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens from acts of violence and ensuring that those who break the law face the consequences of their actions.
Many have also highlighted the alarming rise of violent crimes in Nigeria, with some experts pointing out that the lack of conflict resolution mechanisms and the growing anger in society can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes like this one. They have called for more efforts to address the underlying issues that contribute to violent behavior, particularly in situations where personal grievances are involved.
This case also raises larger questions about the issue of violence in the workplace and the dynamics between employers and their employees or former apprentices. Experts have pointed to the emotional and psychological impact that job-related stress or unresolved conflicts can have on individuals. In this case, the fact that Kareem was once Bashiru’s apprentice makes the incident even more disturbing, as it suggests that a breakdown in what should have been a mentor-mentee relationship may have contributed to the violence.
Such incidents bring to light the importance of fostering healthy work environments where conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and understanding, rather than through aggression and violence. Human rights organizations have called for more awareness on issues of workplace bullying, harassment, and the importance of proper communication and dispute resolution systems.
