An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo on Thursday sentenced two middle-aged men to death by hanging.
It was gathered that the convicts are Wasiu Afolayan, 36 years old, and Kola Adeyemi, 34 years old.
They were arraigned on four counts of charges of conspiracy, 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 the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
When the count charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.
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 earlier robbed 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, Barrister Bewaji called six witnesses to prove his case and tendered several exhibits, including the extra-judicial statements made at both Divisional Police Headquarters and SCID.
After the arguments in the point of Law between the prosecuting Counsel and defense counsel, Adeshina Ayodele Olaniyan, Esq.,
Justice Adebiyi said that 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., pleaded with the Court to temper justice with mercy with his clients because they are first offenders.
In his Judgement, Justice Oyebiyi sentenced them to death by hanging.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
Copyright © 2006 – 2024 Osun Defender, All rights reserved.