By Correspondent in Ado-Ekiti.
Justice Lekan Ogunmoye of an Ado-Ekiti High Court in Ekiti State,on Monday sentenced a dismissed soldier Damilola Olasoji and a 32-year-old Koiki Benson to death by hanging for and sentenced the third accused, Ogbesetuyi Tunde to life imprisonment for armed robbery.
Handing down the sentences his judgement, Justice Ogunmoye said that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, regarding the elements of offence of conspiracy, attempted robbery and armed robbery against the convict.
He said:”In all, the sole issue for determination is resolved in favour of the prosecution.
“In count two, case of armed robbery, Olasoji and Benson are hereby sentenced to death by hanging. May God almighty have mercy upon your souls.”
Our Correspondent recalls that the police had earlier told the court that Olasoji, Benson and Ogbesetuyi Tunde, on March 10, 2016, conspired and robbed one Oluwadare Adebayo at a Filling Station in Odo-Ado, Ado Ekiti and disposesed him of N1.2 million at gun point.
According to the police, the offence contravened the provisions of 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.
The prosecution counsel, Olawale Fapohunda, called two witnesses, tendered wallet, two passport photographs, Army Identity card photocopy and statements of the defendants, among others, as exhibits to prove his case.
In his testimony, the victim, Mr Adebayo, told the court that at about 6:30 p.m, March 10, 2016, the convicts visited his fuel station, pretending to be customers but at the end, robbed him of his money.
He said,”They forced their way into the station’s bulk room and slapped me around, hitting me from time to time with the gun butt,”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
