An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has handed down a death sentence to two men after finding them guilty of armed robbery.
The convicts, identified as Ojo Olasunkanmi, 31, and Obamoyegun Dele, 31, were first brought before the court on January 31, 2020.
They were arraigned alongside a third defendant, Adewale David, 36, who died while the trial was still ongoing.
The charges against them, which were later amended on March 25, 2025, included six counts relating to conspiracy and armed robbery.
According to the prosecution, the trio, armed with guns and axes, carried out a robbery operation on August 11, 2018, at Oganganmodu, off Igbole Road in Ido Ekiti.
During the incident, they reportedly dispossessed several victims of valuables such as mobile phones, a Toyota Sienna space bus, a DVD player, and cash.
The prosecution noted that “the offences are contrary to Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. RII, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.
One of the victims, Bosede Ojo, testified in court, recounting how the attack unfolded. She explained that the incident occurred around 1am when the suspects posed as operatives of the NDLEA and demanded entry into the premises.
When access was not granted, they reportedly climbed over the fence, forced their way in by breaking security barriers, and robbed occupants of their belongings.
She said, “We reported the incident at the police station on the following day.”
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During the trial, prosecuting counsel O.B. Ayeleso presented nine witnesses and submitted several items as evidence, including statements from the defendants, a black axe, 15 SIM cards, mobile phones, the stolen Toyota Sienna bus, and photographs.
The defendants, represented by their lawyers, Opeyemi Ogunremi and Marcus Oluwatoyin, testified in their own defence but did not call any additional witnesses.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bamidele Omotoso ruled in favour of the prosecution on all counts, declaring the accused guilty 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 upon your souls,” the judge pronounced.
In a related development, a High Court in Plateau State had in March sentenced two individuals, Thomas Danboyi and Pam Lang, to death by hanging for their involvement in the killing of Chung Bot.
In that case, titled State vs. Thomas Danboyi & Pam Lang (Charge No. PLD/J112C/2010), the court convicted the defendants of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.