Four To Die By Hanging For Armed Robbery In Ekiti

By Oluronke Kuku

The Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced four persons to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery.  

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According to the charge, five individuals, Ojo Tope (37 years), Aderopo Temitope (37 years), Oyedele Oluwatobi (27 years), Damilola Christopher (30 years), and Ekundayo Ajiboye (29 years) were arraigned before Justice Lekan Olatawura on April 16, 2024, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery.  

The prosecution states that on August 3, 2021, at Ilutitun Street, near Dammy Guest House in Ikere Ekiti, the convicts conspired to rob Taye Adegboye, Idowu Damilola, Idowu Tolulope, and Ganiyu Abimbola of their belongings, including laptops, phones, a power bank and charger, jewelry, a sound system, and cash totaling one hundred and thirty six thousand naira. The robbers were said to have been armed with guns at the time of the incident.  

One of the victims, Idowu Oluwadamilola, recounted his ordeal in a statement to the police. He said he was asleep around midnight when he heard intruders forcing their way into his room. Fearing for his safety, he climbed into the ceiling to hide, but the attackers threatened his brother, warning that if he did not reveal his whereabouts, they would shoot him. Forced to come down, he was severely beaten before the robbers carted away valuables, including electronic gadgets and cash. The following day, he and the other victims reported the incident at Ilupeju Police Station.  

He stated further, that in February 2022, one of the suspects, who had been arrested, led a team of policemen to his house and confessed to the crime.  

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During the trial, the prosecution, led by Oluwaseun Olasanmi, called four witnesses and tender the defendants’ statements as exhibits. However, the defense team, represented by Adeyinka Opaleke and others, did not call any witnesses.  

Delivering his judgment, Justice Lekan Olatawura stated that the 1st to 4th defendants had individually confessed to conspiring and committing the armed robbery at the victims’ residence. 

He ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced Ojo Tope, Aderopo Temitope, Oyedele Oluwatobi, and Damilola Christopher to death by hanging.  

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However, the judge rules that the fifth defendant, Ekundayo Ajiboye, had no proven involvement in the crime and was subsequently discharged and acquitted.

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