Armed Robbery, Murder: Two To Die By Hanging In Osun

Justice Ayo Oyebiyi of Osun State High Court, Osogbo, Thursday, sentenced two middle aged men to death by hanging for murder and armed robbery.

The convicts are Wasiu Afolayan (36), a Battery charger and Kola Adeyemi (34) who is a spare part dealer.

Prosecuting Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Bewaji Adeniji had during the trial told the Court that the convicts commited the crimes on December 7, 2018, at a place near C.A.C No. 16, Oke-Onitea Area, Osogbo.

Adeniji said that the convicts were brought before the Court for the charges bordering on Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, Attempted Armed Robbery, Unlawful Possession of Arms and Murder.

The offenses according to the prosecutor were contrary to Sections 6(b), section 1(1) and (2) (a), Section 2 (1) (a), 3(1) punishable under 1(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) act Cap. R.11 Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 324, 316 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of the Osun State, 2002.

When the charge was read to them, they pleaded not guilty.

Presenting the fact of the case before the case during the trail, Prosecuting Counsel said, Wasiu Afolayan and kola Adeyemi laid siege in the area and robbed people living in the community.

He said, Afolayan was nabbed at the scene of the crime.

He added that Police investigation led to the arrest of Adeyemi at Ikire through the confessional statement of the wasiu Afolayan who named him as his co-gang member.

Meanwhile the same armed robbery gang on the 26th day of November, 2018, had earlier robbed at No. 3, Oduola, Street, Igbona area, Osogbo, Osun State, where they carted away valuables belonging to the residents of the area and killed one Olaniyi Adewale with gun during the rubbery operation and escaped.

During the trial Barrister Bewaji called six witnesses to proved his case and tendered several exhibits including the extra judicial statements made at both Divisional Police Headquarters and at SCID.

After the arguments in the point of Law between the prosecuting Counsel and defense Counsel, Barrister Adeshina Ayodele Olaniyan

Justice Oyebiyi affirmed that the prosecuting Counsel proved the charges against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt and found them guilty of the offences preferred against them.

Counsel to the convicts pleaded to the Court to temper justice with mercy on the ground that his clients are first offenders.

Handling down his verdict, Justice Oyebiyi convicted sentenced them to death by hanging.