Five individuals have been sentenced to death by hanging for armed robbery and murder by an Ekiti State High Court on Tuesday.
They were also handed 21-year prison sentences for conspiracy.
The convicted individuals—Ojo Tope, Damilola Christopher, Joshua Adegoke, Aderopo Temitope, and Oyedele Oluwatobi—were found guilty of armed robbery, murder, and conspiracy.
The charges stemmed from crimes committed on August 18, 2021, at Agogo Street, Ilupeju Avenue, Odo Ado, Ado Ekiti.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Julius Ajibare, who represented the state, the defendants robbed victims Ajiboye Olajide, Lateef Temidayo Busari, and Akeem Isiaka of their valuables, including money, laptops, and mobile phones. During the robbery, the defendants also killed Joseph Blessing, a night guard in the area.
The defendants faced charges of conspiracy, murder, and armed robbery, which are punishable under various sections of Ekiti State’s Criminal Code Law and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act of Nigeria.
The prosecution presented four witnesses and submitted 13 exhibits to support the case. The defendants, represented by Adeyinka Opaleke, testified in their defense but did not call additional witnesses.
In his ruling, Justice Olalekan Olatawura concluded that the prosecution had proven all charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Consequently, the judge sentenced all five defendants to death by hanging for armed robbery and murder, and 21 years of imprisonment for conspiracy.
