Man To Die By Hanging In Ekiti Over Robbery
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Wednesday, sentenced a man, Waliu Abifarin, to death by hanging for armed robbery.
Abifarin, according to the charge sheet, on 21st December, 2013, robbed one Shaibu Obanimoh of the sum of N250,000 at Aleja Camp, Idege, Igirigiri Road, Ado-Ekiti, while armed with cutlass and other offensive weapons.
The convict, who was first arraigned alongside one Haruna Onimisi, who escaped during the 2014 jailbreak from Ado-Ekiti prisons, and which caused a setback to the case on 12th May, 2016, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Ayodeji Daramola, who presided over the case, said that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and found him guilty on the strength of evidence brought before the court by the prosecution.
Daramola held that Abifarin was guilty of one-count charge of armed robbery contrary to Section 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R11 Vol. 14 laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
Mojisola Olajiga, who is the prosecution counsel, called four witnesses and tendered one Bajaj motorcycle, a cutlass and other materials as exhibits while counsel to the accused, Mr. A.O. Adeloye, led his client in evidence but did not call any witness.
Daramola in his judgment said: “Therefore, the sentence of the court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead. May the good lord have mercy on your soul.”
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Judiciary is to proceed on Christmas/Year break with effect from today, Thursday.
A statement signed by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, said that he notice was given pursuant to Order 45 Rule (4) (C) of Ekiti State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2011.
According to the statement, trial of civil actions in the High Court of Ekiti State shall be suspended between Thursday, 21st December, 2017 till Friday, 5th January, 2018.
Normal court activities is expected to commence from Monday, 8thJanuary, 2018.
