Four Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Armed Robbery in Ekiti

An Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced four men to death by hanging after they were found guilty of conspiracy and armed robbery.

The four men—Ojo Tope (37), Aderopo Temitope (37), Oyedele Oluwatobi (27), and Damilola Christopher (30)—were convicted on April 16, 2024, for their roles in a robbery that took place on August 3, 2021, in Ikere Ekiti. The court also heard charges against a fifth defendant, Ekundayo Ajiboye (29), who was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

The robbery occurred at Ilutitun Street, near Dammy Guest House, where the defendants conspired to steal various items from Taye Adegboye, Idowu Damilola, Idowu Tolulope, and Ganiyu Abimbola. The stolen items included laptops, mobile phones, a power bank, a charger, jewelry, a sound system, and N136,000 in cash.

One of the victims, Idowu Oluwadamilola, recounted his experience in a statement to the police, explaining how the robbers broke into his room while he was asleep. After he hid in the ceiling, the robbers threatened his brother with a gun, demanding that he reveal his whereabouts. Oluwadamilola eventually came down, only to be brutally beaten by the robbers, who then ransacked the house, stealing valuable items.

The victims reported the incident to the Ilupeju Police Station the following day. In February 2022, Oluwadamilola recognized the defendants as the perpetrators when they arrived at his home with a police team, having confessed to the robbery.

The prosecutor, Oluwaseun Olasanmi, presented four witnesses and used the defendants’ statements as evidence to support the case. The defense team, led by Adeyinka Opaleke, did not present any witnesses on behalf of the accused.

In his judgment, Justice Lekan Olatawura confirmed that the four convicted men had individually confessed to their involvement in the robbery. He stated, “I find that the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the first to fourth defendants committed the offenses. Therefore, the sentence of this court is that you, Ojo Tope, Aderopo Temitope, Oyedele Oluwatobi, and Damilola Christopher, be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on your souls.”

However, Justice Olatawura acquitted Ekundayo Ajiboye, stating, “There is no evidence linking the fifth defendant to the crimes charged, and as such, Ekundayo Ajiboye is hereby discharged and acquitted.”