Metro

Court Sentences Two To Death For Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

Published

1 year ago

April 15, 2025

Editor

An Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Monday sentenced two persons to death by hanging for armed robbery and kidnapping.

The court also jailed them for life for the offence of conspiracy.

The defendants, Onileowo Rotimi (42) and Adetola Ayodele (42) were tried and found guilty on three count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping.

The charge reads that the convicts on 7th October, 2016 at Abuta Omuo Ekiti did conspire to commit armed robbery, when they robbed one Mrs Ajibola Oyelola and on the same date and place, also conspired to kidnap the victim.

According to the charge, “The offences are contrary to sections 516, 402 and 403 (A) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, also Section 3 (a)(b) of the Ekiti State Kidnapping and Terrorism (prohibition) Laws, 2015.”

In her testimony before the court, the victim said, “I was cooking in the kitchen around 8.30pm, suddenly I saw five gunmen in the living room, they asked of my husband, they said he offended their boss and they are here to kill him and since he was not at home, they collected my car key and a sum of N78,000 I have at home.

“They blindfolded me and also tied my hands, I was ordered to lay face down at the back seat. Before I entered the car, I saw my gateman where his hands and legs were tied with rope. I was taken to an unknown place inside bush, I was with them for eight days.

“They called my husband on the fourth day and demanded for a ransom of N40m, but my husband was able to raise and pay N600,000 gathered from friends and families before I was released. They were not masked throughout the time in the bush, I saw their faces clearly”, she said.

To prove his case, the prosecutor, Akinola Abon, called four witnesses and tendered the statements of the defendants as exhibits.

The defendants, who spoke through their lawyer, confessed that they met and became friends in prison before they committed the crimes in question. They called no witness.

In the judgment, Justice Bamidele Omotoso said, “The prosecution has fruitfully proved the case of conspiracy, kidnapping and armed robbery against the defendants. Consequently, the defendants are found guilty of all the offences as charged.

“For kidnapping, the defendants are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment and for armed robbery, the defendants are to be hanged by the neck until they are dead, may God have mercy on your souls”, the judge pronounced.

Related Topics:Court Edo EFCC Fraudsters

Up Next

EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Edo

Don't Miss

Okaighele: Edo Community Begs Okpebholo, Benin Monarch For Intervention Over Growing Tension

Comments

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

11 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
‎
Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
‎
The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
‎
‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
‎
‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
‎
He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
‎

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.