In a landmark judgment delivered on Monday, the Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti sentenced two men, Onileowo Rotimi and Adetola Ayodele, both aged 42, to death by hanging for armed robbery and kidnapping.
The duo were convicted on a three-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping after the court found compelling evidence linking them to the October 7, 2016 incident at Abuta, Omuo Ekiti.
According to court records, the convicts stormed the home of Mrs. Ajibola Oyelola at about 8:30 p.m., demanding to see her husband. Upon not finding him, they robbed her of ₦78,000 and her car. The attackers blindfolded her, tied her hands, and took her into the bush, where she was held captive for eight days.
“They were not masked throughout the time. I saw their faces clearly,” the victim testified.
The assailants demanded ₦40 million in ransom but released her after receiving ₦600,000, which her husband raised with help from friends and family.
Prosecution counsel Akinola Abon called four witnesses and tendered confessional statements made by the defendants. Interestingly, the accused confessed to meeting in prison and becoming friends before committing the crimes. They presented no defense witnesses.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Bamidele Omotoso stated:
“The prosecution has fruitfully proved the case of conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery against the defendants. Consequently, the defendants are found guilty of all the offences as charged.”
The court sentenced both men to life imprisonment for kidnapping and death by hanging for armed robbery.
“May God have mercy on your souls,” Justice Omotoso concluded.
