Norfolk County man who played role in targeted death of Nigerian immigrant granted parole with conditions

A Massachusetts man who played a role in a robbery and murder has been granted parole with conditions.

According to the Parole Board, on December 5, 2012, in Norfolk County Superior Court, Jeffrey Anthony pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Osahon Ighodaro. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Anthony also pleaded guilty to two counts of unarmed robbery and one count of unarmed burglary, for which he received a 12 to 15-year concurrent sentence, and one count of kidnapping, for which he received a 9 to 10-year concurrent sentence.

On the morning of July 11, 2008, Holbrook police officers located 25-year-old Osahon Ighodaro deceased in his apartment. He had been hog tied and was found lying face down on the floor. According to WCVB, Ighodaro was a Nigerian immigrant who worked at a Boston parking lot and was targeted after stating at a nightclub he had electronics at home. He was tied up and beaten to death.

Another occupant of the apartment reported that on the previous evening, she heard someone knock on the door, followed by men entering the apartment screaming. They tied her up, and she eventually passed out. When she woke up the following morning, she untied herself, found Ighodaro’s body, and ran out of the apartment to seek help.

Investigators processed the scene for fingerprints and other forensic evidence and determined that several belongings and money had been stolen from the apartment. On May 6, 2009, Anthony was arrested in Chelsea for assault and battery. The fingerprints he provided resulting from that arrest matched a latent print that had been lifted from the wall near Ighodaro’s body. The other occupant of the apartment later identified Anthony from a photo array as one of the men that tied her up on the night of the murder. Upon arrest, Anthony admitted his involvement in the murder of Ighodaro, along with three other individuals. Anthony was 20 years old at the time of the offense. 

This was Anthony’s first appearance before the Board. The board stated that he was forthcoming in his role in the murder of Ighodaro. He presented with insight and remorse with regards to the harm he has caused the victim’s family, his family, and his community. The Board also mentioned that this was his first incarceration of any kind. He has completed over 50 programs that addressed his need areas. He was instrumental in creating other programs to assist with furthering his rehabilitation, as well as others. Anthony has invested in Restorative Justice, NEADS, and earned his Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from Boston University. He has a history of consistent employment. He has invested in self-development by identifying the precipitants to this offense and addressing the areas in need of change. The Board also noted that he has a strong support system and re-entry plan. The Board considered public testimony from his wife, family member, and friend who spoke in support of his parole. The Board also considered testimony from the victim’s family, friend, and an Assistant District Attorney from Norfolk County. The Board concluded that Anthony has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society. 

Special conditions include: Parole is granted upon 2 weeks after the issuance of Decision after 90 days in lower security to home plan; Waive work for 2 weeks; Curfew must be at home between 10PM and 6AM at Parole Officer’s discretion; Electronic monitoring at Parole Officer’s discretion; Supervise for drugs, testing in accordance with agency policy; Supervise for liquor abstinence, testing in accordance with agency policy; Report to assigned MA Parole Office on day of release; No contact with victim(s)’ family; Must have substance abuse evaluation and must comply with recommended treatment plan; Counseling for transition/adjustment.