Court Sentences 3 Kidnappers Of Lagos Monarch To Death
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Wednesday convicted and sentenced three men, who kidnapped a Lagos monarch, Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni, the Oniba of Iba, to death.
The Lagos State Government had on October 24, 2016, arraigned the convict before the court on an eight-count count charge of conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, robbery, armed robbery , felony and kidnapping.
The defendants, who allegedly carried out the crime on July 16, 2016 at the palace of the monarch, were said to have murdered a security detail attached to the palace, Sunday Eniola Okanlawon, and a commercial motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke.
They were also said to have attempted to kill the monarch’s wife, Olori Abosede Oseni while making efforts to dispossess her of her property at gunpoint.
The state had told the court that the offence of conspiracy to commit murder is contrary to Sections 233 of the criminal law of Lagos State Ch, C17, Vol 3 Laws of Lagos State 2015.
While the offence of armed robbery is contrary to section 299, 297 (2) (b) and felony to wit kidnap contrary to section 411 of the criminal law of Lagos State, Ch. C17 Vol. 3, laws of Lagos State 2015.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned before the court.
But in her judgment on Wednesday, Justice Taiwo found all the convicts guilty of all counts brought against them.
The judge held, “the prosecution had been able to prove its case of conspiracy, attempted murder, armed robbery and kidnapping against the defendants beyond reasonable doubts.
“I found their witnesses and material evidence credible and I relied on them to convict the defendants.
“I, therefore, find them guilty as charged. This is the judgement of the Court.
”The offences have become prevalent and no one is safe. I also state here that sentencing are statutorily imposed.
“For causing the death of Sunday Okanlawon and Joseph Okeke a security guard, they were sentenced to death.
“I hereby sentence the defendants to life imprisonment for shooting the Olori Abosede Goriola in the abdomen.
“For conspiracy to murder, the defendants are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and another 10 years for conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
“For Armed robbery, the defendants are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment and 21 years imprisonment for the offence of kidnapping.
“This is the judgment of the court and the sentences are to run concurrently,” Justice Taiwo held.
It would be recalled that the monarch, after being whisked away by his abductors, was kept in captivity for about three weeks.
He was later released after the payment of N15.1million ransom.
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