Ekiti Court Acquits Man of Murder in Bucket Dispute

The Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti discharged and acquitted Ogboninu Sunday of murder charges related to the death of Olaiya Wasiu, which occurred during a dispute over missing buckets on June 21, 2025. Justice Bamidele Omotoso ruled that the prosecution, led by Mrs.

Idayat O. Famobio, did not establish the murder charge against Sunday.

The case attracted significant attention since the incident in Osan-Ekiti. Sunday was initially arraigned on June 26, 2025, before a Magistrate Court and later transferred to the High Court for trial, which began on January 14, 2026.

The prosecution called three witnesses, including Sunday’s wife, son, and the Investigating Police Officer, and presented several exhibits. In his defense, Sunday claimed he acted in self-defense, stating that he shot Wasiu to prevent an attack on his life.

After both sides presented their final addresses, the court reserved judgment and ultimately acquitted Sunday, concluding the criminal proceedings against him.