An Ondo State High Court in Akure has sentenced six individuals, including a pastor, to death by hanging for their involvement in two separate bank robberies that took place in 2011. The judgment on Tuesday marked the culmination of a lengthy legal process that began with their arrest by the state police command.
The convicts, identified as Adewale Adelu (the pastor), Ikechuckwu Maduagwu, Fayemi Olubusuyi, Ropo Adeleye, Dele Otopka, and Bayo Omotosho, were found guilty of robbing two commercial banks – Diamond Bank and First Bank – in Akure and Idanre respectively. According to court documents, their crimes occurred on November 19 and December 8, 2011.
Prosecutors alleged that the group, armed with AK-47 rifles, dynamite, and other weapons, attacked the Diamond Bank branch on Oyemekun Road, Akure, escaping with N30 million and various valuables. Two weeks later, they reportedly targeted the First Bank branch on Yaba Road, Idanre, and stole an additional N4 million.
Following their apprehension, the accused faced four-count charges: conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms. The trial saw arguments presented by both prosecution and defense counsel, with witnesses also called to testify.
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In delivering the verdict, Justice Yemi Fasanmi stated that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. He cited the defendants’ own confessions, which outlined their individual roles in the robberies, as key evidence. Consequently, Justice Fasanmi sentenced each convict to death by hanging for each of the charges, totaling six death sentences per individual.
This verdict highlights the severity with which Nigerian courts view crimes like armed robbery, particularly those involving violence and significant financial losses. It also underscores the ongoing concern regarding bank robberies in the country, where incidents involving firearms and explosives have claimed lives and posed a significant threat to public safety.
However, the death penalty remains a controversial issue, with arguments for and against its use sparking ongoing debate. While some view it as a justifiable punishment for heinous crimes, others raise concerns about its ethical implications and potential for misapplication. As such, the court’s decision in this case is likely to continue generating discussion and raise important questions about the application of capital punishment in Nigeria’s legal system.
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