Court sentences seven to death over murder, robbery in Ondo

A High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Thursday, sentenced seven people to death over the killing of a United States of America (USA) based businessman, Banji Adafin, who was killed while on holiday in Akure.

Those convicted over the killing of Adafin included Jimoh Sodiq, (AKA. Akamo), Blessing Ogunlade, Yomi Balogun (AKA Regal), Akeem Adedayo, Oso John Omoniyi (AKA Bosco) and Sodiq Babatunde, while the eight accused person, Damilola Samuel (AKA Mama) is sentenced to one-year imprisonment.

The seven accused were convicted for murder and armed robbery and sentenced to death by hanging and firing squad,

They were also found guilty of aid and abet contrary to and punishable under sections 6 © of the robbery and firearms Special Provision Act Cap R11 Vol 14 laws of the federation.

The charges preferred against the seven convicts included conspiracy to commit armed robbery contrary to and punishable under section 6(b) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provision)Act cap R11 Volume 14 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

In the particulars of offence, the accused had on July 4, 2017, at No 5 Temidire street, conspired to commit armed robbery and in the process killed Banji Adafin.

The accused were also said to steal some valuable items from the resident of the deceased which included iPad, phones, television sets, laptops, and a huge amount of money.

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The judge lamented that the deceased was in the bedroom with his wife when the accused persons entered through the roof and killed him in the presence of his wife and child.

Justice Bola, however, found all the accused guilty of the offence and being in possession and dealing with illegal arms and ammunition contrary to section 9 and punishable under sections 271(1)(b) of the Firearms Act, Cap F26 laws of the federation.

However, Jimoh Sodiq who shot the gun that killed late Adafin was convicted of murder contrary to and punishable under section 316 of the criminal code, cap 37 vol 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.

The only woman among the convict who helped them disposed the stolen good and served as the armourer to the gang was sentenced to one-year imprisonment for accessory after the fact contrary to section 10 of the criminal code, cap 37 vol 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.