By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

|

Justice Ayo Adebiyi of Osun State High Court, Osogbo, has sentenced two middle aged men to death by hanging for armed robbery.
The convicts are, Wasiu Afolayan, 36, and Kola Adeyemi, aged 34.
The duo were arraigned before the court on four counts charge of conspiracy, armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, and unlawful possession of arms contrary to and punishable under Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R.11, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
However, Afolayan and Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to the offences preferred against them.
Prosecuting Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Bewaji Adeniji, told the court that on December 7, 2018, at a place near No. 16, C.A.C, Oke-Onitea Area, Osogbo, the convicts laid siege in the area and robbed residents of the community.
The Hope Metro learnt that Afolayan was arrested at the scene of the crime at Oke-Onitea, and his confession led to the arrest of one Adeyemi at Ikire, whom he mentioned as a member of his gang.
Meanwhile, the same armed robbery gang on November 26, 2018, were reported to have robbed at No. 3, Oduola Street, Igbona area, Osogbo, Osun State, where they carted away belongings of the residents and also killed one Olaniyi Adewale, with the gun during the robbery operation, afterwhich they escaped from the scene.
During the trial, Mr. Bewaji called six witnesses to prove his case and tendered several exhibits, including the extra judicial statements made at the Divisional Police Headquarters and the State Criminal investigation and intelligence Department (SCIID).
During the trial, hot arguments ensued between the prosecuting Counsel and the defence lawyer, Adeshina Ayodele Olaniyan Esq., on points of law.
The trial judge, Justice Ayo Oyebiyi, after listening to both arguments held that the prosecuting counsel had proved the charges against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt. Hence, he found them guilty of the offences preferred against them.
Counsel to the convicts, Adesina Olaniyan Esq, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying his clients were first offenders.
In his judgement Justice Oyebiyi, consequently sentenced the duo to death by hanging.