The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the conviction and death sentence of Jonathan Marcus, a former driver to an elderly couple, for killing his ex-employers, Mr. Adebola Ezekiel, 80, and his wife, Mrs. Abiodun Ezekiel, at their home in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.
The development was made public on Wednesday in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh.
According to the police, the FCT High Court found Marcus guilty after the prosecution established beyond reasonable doubt that he murdered the couple on April 1, 2024.
Adeh stated that the incident took place at the victims’ residence in Zone D, Apo Legislative Quarters, and prompted a thorough investigation that eventually led to the suspect’s capture.
She said, “The investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, Jonathan Marcus, a former driver to the deceased, who was tracked to Obajana, Kogi State, where he had gone into hiding after he committed the crime. He was subsequently arrested and brought to Abuja for further investigation.”
The police spokesperson noted that Marcus admitted to the crime during questioning, revealing that he entered the couple’s residence late at night before carrying out the murders.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to gaining access to the residence of the deceased at about 11:00 p.m. on 1st April, 2024, where he murdered the couple,” she said.
Adeh further disclosed that investigations showed Marcus had previously been employed as the couple’s driver but was dismissed after a series of disagreements.
She explained that the suspect was later arraigned before the FCT High Court, where the police pursued the case.
“After evaluating the evidence adduced by the prosecution and hearing the submissions of counsel, Hon. Justice M. S. Idris of the FCT High Court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the Court convicted Jonathan Marcus and sentenced him to death by hanging for the murder of Mr. Adebola Ezekiel and Mrs. Abiodun Ezekiel,” the statement read.
The command also reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.
“The FCT Police Command reassures residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its firm commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” Adeh added.
NEWSCLICKNG Online recalls that Marcus was apprehended shortly after the incident in April 2024 after fleeing to Obajana, Kogi State.
While being paraded by the police, he claimed he had served the couple for about 10 years and attributed the killings to alleged ill-treatment by the late Ezekiel.
He also alleged that he was underpaid despite working both as a mechanic and as the family’s driver.