The Osun State High Court in Osogbo has sentenced six persons to death by hanging for robbery and murder.
Four convicts – Owolabi Bashiru (54), who is a security guard; Hammed Rafiu (37); Rasidi Waidi (39) and Kayode Sunday (29) were tried on six counts of armed robbery and conspiracy on October 23, 2019, while Mutiu Azeez (41) and Afolabi Mayowa (35) were arraigned on December 2, 2018, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.
The four convicts pleaded not guilty upon their arraignment, but the prosecution Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Dele Akintayo, said the four-man gang murdered one Victor Akinbile, cousin of Osun former Deputy Governor, Adegboyega Alabi, who travelled to Ikirun on the November 26, 2018, to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
He said the convicts robbed Akinbile at Moboreje Area, Ikirun, forcing him to transfer N3 million to their bank account, after which they drove him to the road and set him ablaze in his car.
The prosecutor said the offenses are punishable under Sections 319, 390(9) and 364 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.
However, defense counsel said there was no evidence to show that the accused persons held a meeting before the robbery, and urged the court to discharge and acquit them.
Justice Jide Falola said the prosecution has proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt, and convicted the accused persons on the six counts preferred against them.
He also sentenced them accordingly, stressing that none of the convicts should benefit from any state pardon, such as prerogative of mercy and any other of such.
Also, Azeez and Mayowa were sentenced to death by hanging for snatching a motorcycle and smashing the owner’s head with a stone.
