Following a trial at the Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti, three individuals have been handed the death penalty. Additionally, one person has been given a 10-year prison sentence, while another has been acquitted.
Charged before Justice Lekan Ogunmoye on January 30, 2020, the defendants faced five counts including conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of stolen goods, and membership in a secret cult.
The accused individuals, namely Babalola Bidemi (28), Akinwale Oluwaseun (26), Oyebanji Sola a.k.a. Solademmy (31), Jimoh Azeez a.k.a. Asela (31), and Ogunlade Babatunde (28), were accused of conspiring to commit robbery on March 10, 2018, at Oke Oniyo Street, Ado Ekiti.
During the incident, they robbed Tijani Omowumi and Ogunrinde Olumide of various items including phones, a plasma television, a wristwatch, a necklace, clothing, a bag, and cash. The robbery involved weapons such as clubs, stones, cutlasses, and a gun, contravening specific laws related to robbery and possession of firearms.
One of the victims recounted the ordeal to the police, stating, “I woke up to two intruders in my room armed with weapons who proceeded to rob me of my possessions. They even attempted to assault me but were deterred by a gang member. I reported the incident to the police the next day.”
The prosecution, led by Dolapo Oyewole, presented evidence including statements, phones, drugs, and a motorcycle as exhibits. The defendants and their lawyers also presented their cases and witnesses during the trial.
After considering the evidence, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye delivered the verdict. The first defendant, Babalola Bidemi, was sentenced to 10 years for his involvement in the armed robbery. Akinwale Oluwaseun was acquitted of all charges. However, Oyebanji Sola, Jimoh Azeez, and Ogunlade Babatunde were found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.