FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – A man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder of a friend of his estranged wife back in 2018.
A jury convicted Godson Olayiwola Akran of murder Tuesday for the 2018 stabbing death of Taofeek Anifata.
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The crime happened on Aug. 16, 2018. Chief Domestic Violence Prosecutor Sunni Mitchell said Akran went to the home where his estranged wife and children lived in the Tamarron subdivision. Upon entering the home, Akran, who was intoxicated, began arguing with Anifata. . During the argument, Akran grabbed a knife from the kitchen and ran towards Anifata and stabbed him two times. Anifata was unarmed.
Akran then fled the scene on foot after calling 911 and was picked up at the neighborhood clubhouse by a friend. A witness flagged down police and told them Akran was hiding near the clubhouse before getting into a car. Officers from the Fulshear Police Department quickly located the vehicle and detained Akran.
During trial, the jury heard from Akran’s wife and her 13-year-old son about the violent attack. The jury also heard from a witness who was living in the home as a nanny for the Akran’s two young children, ages four and two. All three of these witnesses testified that Akran stabbed the victim multiple times with a knife. Evidence presented during the punishment phase revealed Akran had a prior federal conviction for fraud.
“Akran claimed self-defense, but the jury’s decision to convict him after an hour of deliberation effectively rejected that claim. And taking the same amount of time to decide a punishment of 45 years – that’s a solid statement against this kind of behavior,” said Mitchell.
“This violent crime occurred in the presence of three young children who were awakened by the defendant in their home,” said District Attorney Brian Middleton. “I can’t imagine their fear of the defendant and what he might do in the future. What I do know is that he won’t be getting out of prison for many years, if ever. I hope that is some small comfort.”
Akran must serve at least half of his sentence before parole can be considered.