An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday sentenced two men to death by hanging for armed robbery.
The convicts, Ojo Olasunkanmi (31) and Obamoyegun Dele (31), were arraigned on January 31, 2020, alongside Adewale David (36), who died while the case was ongoing.
They were facing six counts of conspiracy and armed robbery, with the charges amended on March 25, 2025.
According to the charge, the defendants, armed with guns and axes, conspired to rob victims on August 11, 2018, at Oganganmodu, off Igbole Road, Ido Ekiti.
During the attack, they reportedly dispossessed victims of several valuables, including mobile phones, a Toyota Sienna space bus, a DVD player, and cash.
The prosecution said the offences violated Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
One of the victims, Bosede Ojo, gave a detailed account of the incident, stating that the attack occurred around 1 a.m.
She testified that the assailants initially posed as NDLEA officers, demanding that the gate be opened. When refused, they scaled the fence, broke through the burglary proof, and robbed occupants of their belongings.
The prosecution counsel, O.B. Ayeleso, called nine witnesses and tendered several exhibits, including:
- Defendants’ statements
- One black axe
- 15 SIM cards
- Mobile phones
- A Toyota Sienna space bus
- Photographs and other recovered items
The defendants testified in their own defence through counsel Opeyemi Ogunremi and Marcus Oluwatoyin, but did not call any witnesses.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bamidele Omotoso held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
He ruled:
“Accordingly, the defendants are convicted as charged.
For conspiracy and armed robbery, the sentence of this court is that the defendants—Ojo Tosin Olasunkanmi and Obamoyegun Dele—be hanged by the neck until they are dead. May God have mercy on your souls.”
