Three to die by hanging for robbery in Ekiti

The Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced three persons to death by hanging for armed robbery and conspiracy.

The convicts are Alexander Solomon (29), Desmond Peter (29), Eric Tile (30).

The fourth defendant, Promise Shie (27), was discharged and acquitted for lack of evidence.

The three were convicted for armed robbery and unlawfully possession of firearms on July 7, 2022, on the Ilumoba/Aisegba-Ekiti Road, Aisegba-Ekiti.

Justice Bamidele Omotoso said: “I hold that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt the offence of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants.

“Consequently, for the offence of conspiracy and armed robbery, you are all sentenced to death by hanging, may the Lord have mercy on your souls.”

He however discharged and acquitted the 4th defendant (Promise Shie) since the prosecution failed to establish any of the offences against him.

The convicts were arraigned on four counts of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

The prosecutor, Gbemiga Adaramola, told the court that the offence contravened Sections 6(b), 1(2) and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions), Act., Cap. Rll, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

According to him, the convicts, armed with guns, robbed one Okey Jude and Jayeoba Ayobami of laptops, phones, N540,000 cash, among others.

The prosecutor called four witnesses and tendered two guns, phones, laptops, cutlass, axe, face masks, among others, as exhibits.