Ekiti: Two men sentenced to death by hanging for robbery

Two men, Owolabi Deji and Opeyemi Oluwakomolafe, have been sentenced to death by hanging for armed robbery in Ekiti State.

Deji and Oluwakomolafe were arraigned on January 13, 2017, for committing offences bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, rape and escape from lawful custody at Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre on December 1, 2014.

The charge read, “The defendants on July 14, 2015, at Oketa, Iluomoba Ekiti, in the Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State, did conspire to commit armed robbery on Lucas Agboola and Oladele Oseyemi, as well as Adeyemi Comfort on the same day at Araromi Street, Aisegba Ekiti, while armed with cutlass and gun.

“On same date, time and place, the defendants also raped a 35-year-old woman. The defendants escaped from lawful custody at Ado Ekiti Prison on December 1, 2014.

“The offences contravene Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap RII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and also, Sections 357 punishable under Section 358 and Section 135 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.”

The prosecutor, Ilesanmi Adelusi, called five witnesses and tendered a dane gun, 10 handsets, one rechargeable torchlight, four handset batteries, N21,060 cash, recharge cards, machete and statements of the defendants as exhibits.

The defendants called two witnesses.

Justice Monisola Abodunde of the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, in her judgment said the defendants were pathological liars who became hardened criminals, rather than mend their ways in prison.

Abodunde said the defendants escaped prison during jail break and continued to unleash terror in the community until nemesis caught up with them.

“They are a threat to peaceful existence in our society and they must be made to face the reality of the consequences of their wicked behavior.

“In conclusion, I find the two defendants guilty as charged in counts 1,2,3,5 and 6 and convicted accordingly. In counts 1, 2 and 3 (armed robbery) they are sentenced to death by hanging and may the Lord have mercy on your souls.