An Ekiti State High Court on Tuesday, April 29, sentenced five men to death by hanging for armed robbery and the murder of a night guard during a violent attack in Ado Ekiti.
The convicts, Ojo Tope, Damilola Christopher, Joshua Adegoke, Aderopo Temitope, and Oyedele Oluwatobi, were also handed 21 years in prison each for conspiracy.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Julius Ajibare, who led the prosecution, told the court the crime was committed on 18 August 2021 at Agogo Street, Ilupeju Avenue, Odo Ado, Ado Ekiti.
“The offences were committed by the defendants on the 18th August, 2021 at Agogo Street, Ilupeju Avenue, Odo Ado, Ado Ekiti,” Ajibare said.
He explained that the gang robbed Ajiboye Olajide, Lateef Temidayo Busari, and Akeem Isiaka of cash, laptops, mobile phones, and other valuables.
READ ALSO: Jos Court Sentences Two to Death for 2010 Farmer’s Murder
“In the process of the robbery, the five defendants also killed the street night guard, named Joseph Blessing,” he added.
The suspects were arraigned on charges of conspiracy, murder, and armed robbery in violation of multiple laws, including Section 516A and Section 319 of the Ekiti State Criminal Code, and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.
Ajibare called four witnesses and presented 13 exhibits in support of the case. The defence counsel, Adeyinka Opaleke, represented the five men, each of whom testified without calling additional witnesses.
In his judgment, Justice Olalekan Olatawura ruled that the prosecution had proven all charges beyond reasonable doubt.
He then convicted the defendants and issued the maximum penalties: death by hanging for armed robbery and murder, and 21 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy.