From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo

A 44-year-old man, Saheed Rafiu has been sentenced to death by hanging by an Osun State High Court sitting in Ede for robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder.
The convict committed the offence on July 30, 2012 in Ile-Ife.
According to the prosecuting counsel, Bankole Awoyemi, the convict asked the victim, Olaniyi Olayinka, a commercial motorcyclist to convey him from Ife to his elder brother’s house in Ipetumodu.
Awoyemi said the convict did not meet his brother at home and ordered the bike man to return him to Ile-Ife.
He said on their way back, the convict brought out a knife and slit the throat of the Okada man.
According to Awoyemi, he said the convict thought the motorcyclist has died, and thus fled the scene with the victim’s motorcycle.
“After a while, Olaniyi gained some strength and went to the police station to report the matter.
“Rafiu was arrested alongside the motorcycle he stole and subsequently charged to court.”
He informed the court that, police officer, Segun Okeniyi from Ipetumodu police station arrested the convict.
Two witnesses testified against the convict in the court as some exhibits were also rendered.
The defense counsel, Julie Olorunfemi pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
In her judgement, Kudirat Akano said the prosecutor presented a detailed case and the convict was guilty of the offences.
Rafiu was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for attempted murder. He was also sentenced to death imprisonment for robbery.