An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday sentenced two men, Ojo Olasunkanmi and Obamoyegun Dele, both 31, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of armed robbery.
The court arraigned the defendants on January 31, 2020, alongside Adewale David, 36, who died during the trial. Prosecutors charged them with six counts of conspiracy and armed robbery, later amended on March 25, 2025.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants armed themselves with guns and axes on August 11, 2018, and conspired to rob residents of Oganganmodu, off Igbole Road in Ido Ekiti. They stole phones, cash, a Toyota Sienna space bus, a DVD player, and other valuables.
Prosecutors argued that the crimes violated Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
One of the victims, Bosede Ojo, recounted the incident in court. She said the robbery occurred around 1 a.m. when the assailants disguised themselves as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and ordered the occupants to open the gate. When the victims refused, the robbers scaled the fence, broke through the burglary proof, and carted away valuables.
“We reported the incident at the police station the following day,” she told the court.
Prosecutor O.B. Ayeleso presented nine witnesses and tendered several exhibits, including the defendants’ statements, a black axe, 15 SIM cards, mobile phones, photographs, and the stolen Toyota Sienna.
Ayeleso argued that the evidence established the defendants’ involvement in the crime beyond reasonable doubt.
The defendants testified in their own defence through their lawyers, Opeyemi Ogunremi and Marcus Oluwatoyin. They did not call any witnesses to support their case.
Justice Bamidele Omotoso ruled that the prosecution proved its case and resolved all issues in its favor. He convicted the defendants on all counts.
“For conspiracy and armed robbery, the sentence of this court is that the defendants—Ojo Tosin Olasunkanmi and Obamoyegun Dele—be hanged by the neck until they are dead. May God have mercy on your souls.”
The judgment underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against violent crime in Ekiti State. Armed robbery remains a serious offence under Nigerian law, carrying the death penalty when firearms are involved.
The case also highlights the lengthy judicial process, as the crime occurred in 2018, but the trial stretched over several years due to procedural delays and the death of one of the accused during proceedings.
By convicting and sentencing the defendants, the court reinforced its commitment to upholding justice and deterring violent crime.
