NIGERIA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR ARMED ROBBERY IN EKITI

June 20, 2022:

Akinleye Seyi a.k.a. Erin has been sentenced to death by hanging for armed robbery by an Ekiti State high court, Lailasnews reported on 16 June 2022.
The convict was arraigned before Justice Adekunle Adeleye on a six-count charge bordering on armed robbery.
Akinleye Seyi and two other members of his gang, now dead before their arraignment due to injuries sustained during a gun duel with the police, on the 16th day of September, 2019 at Olorunda Central, Olorunda Zone 1, zone 3 and High Dee Estate, all in Ado Ekiti Judicial Division did rob the following people, Babalola Iyabode, Babalola Samson, Solomon Obey, Ogungbemi Taiwo, Innocent Philip and Adegoke Tolulope, and carted away their properties worth over one Million naira including recharge cards, phones, laptop computers, laptop bags, I.D. Cards, unspecified amount of money, cash sum of N86,850 etc.
As at the time of the robbery, they were armed with gun, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, contrary to Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
In his pronouncement, Justice Adekunle Adeleye said, from the evidence placed before this court, the witnesses properly linked the defendant with the other suspects now at large, as well as those reported dead to the commission of the offence of armed robbery.
“On the whole, I have no doubt that the prosecution has established essential elements of the offence of armed robbery with which the defendant is charged which is contrary to the provisions of Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“The defendant is found guilty as charged in counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, he is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” the judge ruled.