Court sentences man to death for robbery in Ekiti

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a man, Waliu Abifarin, to death by hanging for armed robbery.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, yesterday found the convict guilty on the strength of evidence against him. He said the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge 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.

According to the charge sheet, Abifarin, on December 21, 2013 robbed one Shaibu Obanimoh of N250,000 at Aleja Camp, Idege / Igirigiri Road, Ado-Ekiti, while armed with cutlass and other offensive weapons.

He was first arraigned alongside one Haruna Onimisi, who escaped during the 2014 jailbreak from Ado-Ekiti prisons. This caused a setback to the case.

Abifarin was arraigned on May 12, 2016 and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. Prosecution counsel, Mojisola Olajiga, called four witnesses and tendered one Bajaj motorcycle, a cutlass and other materials as exhibits.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. A.O. Adeloye, led his client in his evidence but did not call any witness.

Daramola held: “Therefore, the sentence of the court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the good Lord have mercy on your soul.”

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Judiciary is to proceed on Christmas/New Year break with effect from today.

A statement yesterday signed by the Chief Judge, Justice Daramola, said the notice was given pursuant to Order 45 Rule (4) (C) of Ekiti State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2011.

It said trial of civil actions in the High Court of Ekiti State shall be suspended between Thursday, December 21, 2017 till Friday, January 5, 2018.

“Resumption of normal court activities shall commence from Monday, January 8, 2018.