Two men, Wasiu Afolayan (36) and Kola Adeyemi (34), have been sentenced to death by hanging by an Osun State High Court in Osogbo. The ruling was made on Thursday for their involvement in conspiracy and armed robbery.
Having been identified as serial robbers who carried out numerous robbery operations in Osogbo metropolis, they were found guilty by the presiding judge, Ayo Oyebiyi.
The charges brought against them included conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of arms, in violation of Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (special provisions) Act, Cap R.11, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Despite pleading not guilty during the trial, the defendants, represented by the prosecutor from the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Bewaji Adeniji, were implicated in a robbery incident near C.A.C No. 16, Oke-Onitea Area, Osogbo on December 7, 2018, where they targeted and robbed residents.
Following Afolayan’s arrest at the crime scene, he revealed Adeyemi’s participation, leading to Adeyemi’s subsequent arrest in Ikire town.
Prior to their apprehension, the duo had carried out a deadly robbery at No. 3, Oduola Street, Igbona Area, Osogbo on November 26, 2018, resulting in the murder of one Olaniyi Adewale.
During the proceedings, Adeniji presented six witnesses and multiple pieces of evidence, including statements made at the Divisional Police Headquarters and SCID in Osun Command Headquarters.
The defense counsel, Mr. Ayodele Olaniyan, appealed for leniency, citing his clients’ lack of prior criminal records.
However, Justice Oyebiyi, in delivering the verdict, concluded that the prosecution had convincingly proven the charges against the defendants.
Hence, the defendants were found guilty of armed robbery and were subsequently sentenced to death by hanging.