Murder234's Podcast

Esther Johnson: The Seamstress Scorned

In Episode 3 of Murder234, Kel dives into a compelling and historically significant Nigerian case seldom told in mainstream crime narratives: the killing of British expatriate Mark Hall by his Nigerian lover, Ada Esther Johnson, in the early 1950s.  This episode reconstructs the events that led to the fatal encounter between Esther—a young Nigerian woman—and Mark Hall, a British railway worker stationed in colonial Nigeria. After trusting him with £400 (a substantial sum in that era), which she gave as a loan to help him set up a taxi business, Esther later discovered he had instead used the money to marry another woman in England and purchase a car for his new bride. Upon his return and confession, an enraged Esther stabbed Mark with a pair of scissors, resulting in his death.  Murder234 places the case in its historical and social context, exploring how colonial power dynamics, betrayal, and gender expectations shaped the public reaction to the killing.  The episode also traces the legal aftermath: Esther was convicted and sentenced to death, but widespread public sympathy and debate led to her death sentence being commuted and eventually pardoned by the Governor-General on Nigeria’s first Independence anniversary.  Through archival research, and expert commentary, this episode examines not only the facts of the case but also the public discourse it ignited—about love, betrayal, justice, and mercy—in a country on the cusp of independence. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2211941/support]

Killer Messenger: The Death of Cynthia Osokogu

In this second episode, Temi discusses  the tragic death of Cynthia Osokogu and the hidden dangers that can arise from seemingly ordinary online interactions. The episode traces how a casual connection made through a messaging platform escalated into a real-world meeting, exposing the risks of misplaced trust in the digital age. Through a careful reconstruction of events, the episode explores the warning signs that were overlooked, the environment that enabled the crime, and the investigative steps that ultimately brought the perpetrators to justice. Beyond recounting the case, Killer Messenger interrogates broader issues of online safety, accountability, and how technology can be exploited for criminal purposes. Episode 2 serves as both a factual case study and a cautionary narrative—highlighting the importance of vigilance, digital awareness, and protective measures when engaging with strangers online. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2211941/support]

THE DEATH OF THE THIRD NIGHT WIZARD

This Episode hosted by Demola Sadiq discusses the death of the third night wizard-Israel Njemanze. We are taken back to 1955 when Nigerians, Lagosians especially woke up to the rude shock of the death of the famed musician.   Listen to this Month's episode now.. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2211941/support]

MURDER234 SEASON 1 TRAILER

THIS TRUE CRIME SERIES UNCOVERS NIGERIA'S MOST HISTORIC AND HORRIFYING MURDERS ONE EPISODE AT A TIME. PRODUCED BY: KANYIN DOHERTY Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2211941/support]

MURDER234 SEASON 1 TRAILER

Murder234 explores unsolved, resolved and forgotten Nigerian cases. Every month, we discuss crimes that had the country frightened and talking.  This true crime series uncovers Nigeria's most historic and horrifying murders.  Written & Produced by: Kanyin Doherty Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2211941/support]