Five Convicted And Sentenced To Death For Armed Robbery And Murder In Ekiti.
Justice Olalekan Olatawura of the Ekiti High Court has convicted and sentenced five individuals to death by hanging for armed robbery and murder. The convicts, Ojo Tope, Damilola Christopher, Joshua Adegoke, Aderopo Temitope, and Oyedele Oluwatobi, were also sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy.
According to the charge sheet, the offences were committed on August 18, 2021, at Agogo Street, Ilupeju Avenue, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti. The convicts robbed three individuals of money, laptop computers, mobile phones, and other valuables, and tragically killed a night guard, Joseph Blessing, during the robbery.
The convicts were charged with conspiracy, murder, and armed robbery, contrary to relevant sections of the Criminal Code Law and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act. The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Julius Ajibare, presented four witnesses and tendered 13 exhibits to prove the case.
After evaluating the evidence, Justice Olatawura held that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt, convicting the defendants on all four counts. The defense counsel, Adeyinka Opaleke, represented the defendants, who each testified without calling additional witnesses.
The court’s decision brings closure to the families of the victims, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of such heinous crimes.
