Armed Robbers Sentenced To Death By Hanging In Ekiti State

Ekiti State High Court Sentences Three to Death by Hanging for Armed Robbery

In a significant ruling, the Ado Ekiti Division of the Ekiti State High Court has delivered a verdict, sentencing three individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in an armed robbery case. The convicted individuals, namely Omotayo Deji (23), Chidiebere Ifeanyi (25), and Bolaji Usman (28), were brought before Justice Bamidele Omotoso on January 21, 2020, on charges of conspiracy and armed robbery.

The court proceedings revealed that the defendants conspired and carried out a robbery where they forcefully took their victims’ belongings, including mobile phones, laptop computers, sandals, phone chargers, and power banks, which were valued at N186,000.

According to the charge, the defendants, armed with a cutlass and a wooden plank, committed the robbery on May 6, 2019, at Aba Erinfun, Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti. The charges stated that they conspired to commit armed robbery and forcefully seized the belongings of three individuals valued at N186,000.

The charges brought against the defendants were in violation of Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. RII, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

During the trial, one of the victims provided a statement to the police, recounting the harrowing experience. The victim stated, “We were sleeping in our room around 2.30 am when suddenly, I saw the defendants armed with a cutlass and a plank. They broke the electric bulb with the plank in their hand, commanded us to lie face down, and demanded that we hand over all our money. We told them that we were students and did not have any money.”

The victim continued, “They beat us with the stick and cutlass. Afterwards, they took our phones, laptop, chargers, sandals, power banks, and other items that I cannot recall, and then fled the scene. We later called for help, but nobody came to our aid.”

During the trial, the prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, presented a witness who testified, and various pieces of evidence were tendered, including the victims’ and defendants’ statements, as well as the confiscated phones. The defendants chose not to call any witnesses to testify on their behalf.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Omotoso stated that the prosecution had effectively proven the defendants’ involvement in the armed robbery beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge pronounced, “They (the defendants) are hereby found guilty as charged and convicted for the offence of armed robbery. The sentence of the court upon you, Omotayo Deji, Chidiebere Ifeanyi, and Bolaji Usman, is that you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead.”

The verdict serves as a reminder of the judicial system’s commitment to combating armed robbery and ensuring the safety and security of citizens. The ruling sends a strong message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated and that justice will prevail.