CurrentReport Blog In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Ekiti State, presided over by Justice L.O. Ogundana, has convicted and sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for their roles in armed robbery, murder, and conspiracy. The court delivered its judgment against Ogunleye Sola, Adebayo Ebenezer, Lasisi Afeez, and Ojo Oba, who faced multiple charges stemming from a violent crime spree in 2017.
The defendants were found guilty of offences contrary to Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004. They were also charged under Sections 319 (1) and 320 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, which cover murder and attempted murder, respectively.
The grim details of the case date back to May 29, 2017, when the convicts orchestrated a brutal attack on the residents of Oyan Orete Camp in Ijan-Ekiti. During the incident, the assailants robbed the occupants at gunpoint, resulting in the murder of Olasunkanmi Ramon. Additionally, Alhaji Adeleye Usman was grievously injured by the gang, who struck him with a cutlass on the head.
Julius Ajibare, the Director of Public Prosecutions for Ekiti State, led the prosecution. Over the course of the trial, Ajibare presented a compelling case, supported by five witnesses and seven exhibits, to establish the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defending counsel Chris Omokhafe and Oluwaseun Oye Banji argued on behalf of the accused, calling two additional witnesses in an attempt to counter the charges. Despite their efforts, the court found the evidence against the defendants to be overwhelming.
Justice Ogundana, in delivering the verdict, underscored the gravity of the offences and the solid evidence presented by the prosecution. Consequently, all four defendants were sentenced to death by hanging for the crimes of conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. Additionally, they received life imprisonment sentences for the attempted murder charges.
