Ekiti Court Sentences 3 to Death by Hanging for Robbery
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced three men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of conspiracy and armed robbery.
The convicts, Alexander Solomon (29), Desmond Peter (29), and Eric Tile (30), were dragged before the court on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge sheet, the trio, on July 7, 2022, along the Ilumoba-Aisegba Ekiti Road, while armed with a Beretta pistol, robbed two men, Okey Jude and Jayeoba Ayobami, of valuables, including laptops, phones, and cash totalling ₦540,000.
In his statement to the police, one of the victims , Jude recounted how they were flagged down by the defendants while travelling back from Akoko, Ondo State.
We initially thought they were vigilantes enforcing COVID-19 rules. But when we got closer, they pointed guns at us and ordered us to lie face down. They ransacked our vehicle and carted away our phones, laptops, and ₦540,000 in cash.”
“After the robbery, we reported the incident to some OPC members we met at a roadblock. As we were explaining, the robbers zoomed off, and the OPC members gave them a chase. We then went to the nearest police station to lodge a formal complaint.” he added
The prosecution, led by Gbemiga Adaramola, called four witnesses and tendered key exhibits, including two guns, phones, laptops, a cutlass, an axe, and facemasks.
However, the defendants, who were represented by their respective counsel, called no witnesses in their defence.
In his ruling, Justice Bamidele Omotoso held that the prosecution had successfully proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
I find the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. Consequently, they are sentenced to death by hanging. May the Lord have mercy on your souls.”
The judge further sentenced the 2nd and 3rd defendants to five years in prison, with an option of a ₦10,000 fine, for unlawful possession of firearms.
However, the 4th defendant, Promise Shie, was discharged and acquitted, as the court found no substantial evidence linking him to the crime.
