NIGERIA: COURT SENTENCES THREE TO DEATH FOR ARMED ROBBERY IN EKITI

An Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, has sentenced three persons, Oyebanji Sola, Jimoh Azeez and Ogunlade Babatunde, to death by hanging for armed robbery.
The court on May 6, 2024, further sentenced 28-year-old Babalola Bidemi to 10-year-imprisonment for receiving stolen goods.
It, however, discharged and acquitted another, 26-year-old Akinwale Oluwaseun, of all the charges for being innocent.
The five defendants were arraigned on January 30, 2020, on five counts bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, receiving stolen properties and membership in a secret cult.
According to the charge, “the defendants, Babalola Bidemi (28), Akinwale Oluwaseun (26), Oyebanji Sola (31), Jimoh Azeez (31) and Ogunlade Babatunde (28) on 3/10/2018 at Oke Oniyo Street, Ado Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire to commit felony, to wit; armed robbery.
“The defendants on same date did rob Tijani Omowumi and Ogunrinde Olumide of their phones, plasma television, wristwatch, necklace, shirts, trousers, shuttle bag, and cash sum of N5,000 among others.
“As at the time of the robbery, they were armed with a big stick, club, stone, cutlasses and gun, the offences are contrary to Sections 6(b), 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap.RII, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 4(1) of the Secret Cults (Abolition and Prohibition) ( First Amendment) Law, No. 6 of 2017”.