Ekiti State High Court Sentences Six Men to 140 Years in Prison for Robbery

An Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, has sentenced six men to a total of 140 years in prison for conspiracy, robbery, and receiving stolen properties. Four of the convicts - Lateef Bamisile, Omodara Sanya, Lasisi Talabi, and Omojola Damilare - were sentenced to 7 years each for conspiracy and 21 years each for robbery. The remaining two defendants, Adamu Mohammed and Abubakar Garuba, were jailed for 14 years each for receiving stolen properties.

The defendants were arraigned on August 31, 2022, on charges related to conspiring to rob victims of their Bajaj motorcycles, attempting to murder the victims, and receiving the stolen motorcycles. The prosecutor presented nine witnesses and evidence including the defendants' confessional statements, motorcycle particulars, and bonds to prove the case.

One of the victims, Ajayi Sunday, a commercial motorcyclist, was attacked and had his motorcycle stolen. The court found the defendants guilty based on their confessional statements, which showed a pattern of motorcycle robberies involving the use of pepper spray and threats with cutlasses.

Why this matters: This sentencing sends a strong message against violent crime and robbery in Ekiti State. It demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for victims.

In his judgment, Justice Olalekan Olatawura stated, "The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the defendants. The sole issue for determination is resolved in favor of the prosecution. The defendants are convicted as charged." The judge sentenced the four main defendants to 21 years for robbery and 7 years for conspiracy, while the two defendants who received the stolen motorcycles were sentenced to 14 years each, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Key Takeaways

• 6 men sentenced to 140 years in prison for conspiracy, robbery, receiving stolen goods
• 4 men sentenced to 21 years for robbery, 7 years for conspiracy
• 2 men sentenced to 14 years each for receiving stolen motorcycles
• Defendants convicted based on confessional statements, evidence of motorcycle robberies
• Sentencing sends strong message against violent crime and robbery in Ekiti State