Armed robbery: Court sentences two to death by hanging
By John Dike
Justice Ayo oyebiyi of Osun State High Court, Osogbo has sentenced two middle-aged men to death by hanging for armed robbery.
The convicts are; Wasiu Afolayan, 36 year old and Kola Adeyemi, 34 years old.
They were arraigned before the Court on four counts charges of Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, attempted Armed Robbery, and Unlawful possession of Arms contrary to and punishable under section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (special provisions) Act, Cap R.11, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
They pleaded not guilty to the offences preferred against them.
Prosecuting Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Bewaji Adeniji told the Court that on the 7th day of December, 2018, at a place near C.A.C No. 16, Oke-Onitea Area, Osogbo, Wasiu Afolayan and kola Adeyemi laid siege in the area and robbed people living in that community.
Wasiu Afolayan was arrested at the scene of the crime at Oke-Onitea, While the Police investigation led to the arrest of Kola Adeyemi at Ikire through the confession of Wasiu Afolayan who mentioned his name as his co-gang member.
Meanwhile, the same armed robbery gang, on the 26th day of November, 2018, earlier robbed at No. 3, Oduola, Street, Igbona area, Osogbo, Osun State, where they carted away belongings of the residents and also killed one Olaniyi Adewale with the gun during the rubbery operation and escaped from the scene.
During the trial, Mr Bewaji called six witnesses to prove his case and tendered several exhibits including the extra judicial statements made at both Divisional Police Headquarters and at State Criminal investigation and intelligence Department SCIID .
During the trial, there were hot arguments between the prosecuting Counsel and defense Counsel Adeshina Ayodele Olaniyan Esq.on the point of Law
The trial justice, Oyebiyi having listened to both arguement said that the prosecuting Counsel has proved the charges against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt and found them guilty of the offences preferred against them.
Counsel to the convicts Adesina Olaniyan Esq however , pleaded to the Court to temper justice with mercy with his clients because they are first offenders.
In his Judgement, Justice Oyebiyi hereby sentenced them to death by hanging.
