The Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, has sentenced three men—Uche Onu, Ekene Okorie, and Celestine Eze—to death by hanging for armed robbery. The convictions were for offenses under Section 6(b) of the Armed Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and Section 1(2)(a) of the same Act. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Details of the Crime
The armed robbery occurred at Gasland Nigeria Limited in Akure on April 25, 2024, at approximately 3:00 am. The robbers stole a gas cylinder and a vehicle after overpowering the security guard on duty, striking him on the head with an iron bar. The first two defendants were later arrested by police in Benin City while in possession of the stolen vehicle, which they could not satisfactorily explain ownership of. Their confessions led to the arrest of the third defendant, who was alleged to have masterminded the operation.
Recovery of Stolen Property
Ekene Okorie, the second defendant, reportedly led detectives to Lagos State, where the empty gas cylinder was recovered. However, efforts to arrest other members of the gang were unsuccessful. All three defendants denied involvement in the robbery. The first defendant claimed he was arrested in Onitsha while scavenging for scrap metal; the second said he was arrested near a workshop in Anambra State; and the third stated he was arrested in Onitsha while working as an electrician.
Court Ruling
In delivering the judgment, Justice William Olamide held that the evidence before the court clearly depicted an armed robbery incident and that the robbers were armed during the operation. He stated that the prosecution had proven the first and second ingredients of armed robbery beyond reasonable doubt. The court found that the defendants acted in concert and with a common intention to commit the crime. For conspiracy, each defendant was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, while for armed robbery, they were sentenced to death by hanging.
