In a heart-wrenching turn of events reported from Akure, the capital of Ondo State, 39-year-old Dolapo Babalola has been arrested for the brutal murder of his close friend in a bid to steal and sell the victim’s motorcycle. Babalola, who was paraded by the Ondo State Police Command, revealed a disturbing tale of betrayal and violence that led to this tragic incident.
According to Babalola, the motive behind the heinous act was purely financial, aiming to sell the stolen motorcycle to his regular buyers in Ibadan for personal gain. Despite his history of motorcycle thefts, amounting to about 15 instances since he began his criminal activities, Babalola insists this was his first act of murder. He expressed remorse, attributing the crime to the devil’s work and the heat of the moment during a struggle with the deceased over the motorcycle.
The crime was meticulously planned, with Babalola and an accomplice luring the victim to a secluded farm area under the pretense of inspecting a property. It was there that the victim was attacked; Babalola admitted to hitting his friend with a stone, followed by further assaults with a piece of wood, leading to the victim’s death. The perpetrators then concealed the body under foliage before fleeing the scene.
State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, detailed how through technical intelligence, Babalola was apprehended and confessed to the crime, leading law enforcement to the location of the victim’s hidden body. The suspect’s confession sheds light on a gruesome act of violence, underlining the lengths to which individuals may go for monetary benefit, betraying even those closest to them.
Babalola, who claims to be a trader dealing in oranges without a fixed shop, mentioned that the clean condition of a stolen motorcycle often dictates its sale price. In this case, the motorcycle was sold for N130,000, a sum that was split between him and his accomplice.
This tragic incident has sparked a conversation about the values of trust and the devastating impact of crime within communities. The loss of a life over material gain highlights a profound moral and social decay, prompting a call for more vigilant community awareness and stronger measures against such crimes. The police are continuing their investigation, including efforts to apprehend the accomplice, as the community mourns a senseless tragedy rooted in betrayal and greed.
