16 Year Old Maid Gets Life Imprisonment for Killing FUT Minna Lecturer

By Jackson Michelle Oluwatimilehin (U19MM1068)

A Niger State High Court sitting in Minna has sentenced 16 year old Joy Afekafe to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of Dr. Funmilayo Sherifat Adefolalu, a senior lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna). The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, by Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of High Court 4.

Dr. Adefolalu was murdered on October 28, 2023, inside her Gbaiko residence in Minna. Joy, who had been employed as a housemaid for just four weeks after being introduced by Pastor Ojo Peters of Voice of Mercy Church, reportedly conspired with two acquaintances, known as DJ Wallex and DJ Smart, after being dismissed for theft.

In her court confession, Joy admitted that her accomplices stabbed the lecturer multiple times and struck her fatally with a wooden stool. They also made away with the victim’s phone, laptop, and some foreign currency.

Delivering judgment on July 9, 2025, Justice Mohammed stated that the prosecution had proven its case “beyond reasonable doubt.”

Under Sections 221 (culpable homicide) and 298 (armed robbery) of the Niger State Penal Code, the judge sentenced Joy as follows:

1. Life imprisonment for culpable homicide

2. 10 years imprisonment for armed robbery (to run concurrently)

Because she was only 14 years old at the time of the crime, the court did not issue a death sentence, in line with Nigerian juvenile justice provisions.

The ruling has drawn wide public attention, especially within FUT Minna, as it underscores broader issues around child labor, domestic safety, and youth crime.

Many believe the judgment sends a strong message about accountability, while others are calling for more protective policies and psychological support systems for young domestic workers.

Joy is currently being held in a juvenile correctional facility. Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command is still searching for the two accomplices who remain at large. Authorities continue to urge vigilance in employing underage workers and stress the importance of background checks and welfare safeguards.