The Akure Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentence imposed on Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, the owner of Hilton Honours Hotel, Ile-Ife, over the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a former Master’s student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

Delivering its judgment on Thursday, the court affirmed the verdict of the Osun State High Court, which found Adedoyin guilty and sentenced him to death by hanging. The court dismissed Adedoyin’s appeal in part but quashed certain orders issued by the lower court.

“The judgment of the High Court of Osun State stands. Adedoyin’s appeal is dismissed in part. The Court of Appeal held that Adedoyin was properly convicted and sentenced to death,” the judgment read.

The court, however, overturned the order of forfeiture of Hilton Hotel and the directive mandating education scholarships for the children of the deceased, deeming them unnecessary.

Timothy Adegoke’s death in November 2021, after lodging at Hilton Honours Hotel, shocked the nation and triggered widespread calls for justice. The appellate court had reserved its decision since October 29, 2024, before reaffirming the lower court’s ruling.

This judgment reaffirms the Nigerian judiciary’s stance on ensuring accountability for criminal acts and providing justice to victims of violent crimes.