Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced four men convicted of armed robbery and murder to die by hanging.

The men, Babangida Amodu, 25, Oluwafemi Ibrahim, 20, Ojo Ayodele, 25, and Okunato Dada, 20, were arraigned on October 4, 2018, on charges of conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.

They had pleaded not guilty, but the court ordered their remand in custody.

In his judgement, Justice John Adeyeye said, “It is obvious that the defendants acted in concert as they all agreed to rob Ibrahim Isiaka and Mohammed Sanusi, who died as a result of the injury inflicted on him during the robbery.

“In conclusion, the prosecution has successfully proved the three counts of conspiracy to rob, armed robbery, and murder preferred against them, and they are each convicted accordingly in respect of each of the offences.

“Each of the defendants is cautioned and discharged in count one (conspiracy) and sentenced to death by hanging until they be dead on count two (Armed Robbery) and count three (Murder).

“May the Lord have mercy on your souls,” the Judge pronounced.

According to the charge, on June 7, 2018, the four convicts at Ijoka Area of Ado Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of the court, conspired and robbed one Ibrahim Isiaka of his phone and N1500 while armed with guns and knives.

The charge sheet further said that on the same day, date and place mentioned above, the convicts murdered one Muhammed Sanusi.

The offences, Felix Awoniyi, the prosecuting counsel, said contravened sections 516, 402 (2) and 316 of the Criminal Code Cap C16 Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria, 2012.

The defence team comprising Adeyinka Opaleke, Ekiti State coordinator of the Legal Aid Council, O. Abiola and A. Ayobioloja, called no witnesses. 

(NAN)