Anthony Iwuoma
A family in Ekiti State has been hit by double jeopardy, following the sentencing to death by hanging of their member, Ademola Akinola, 49, who had in 2019 killed his elder brother.
The penalty was slammed on the convict by Justice Lekan Ogunmoye of an Ado-Ekiti High Court, before whom he was arraigned in December 2020 for armed robbery and murder.
Akinola was charged to court on November 19, 2019, at Usin Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, for robbing Tunde, his older brother, of his Bajaj Motorcycle with Registration number ADK 011 VC, while armed with a gun.
The offence, according to prosecution, was contrary to the provisions of sections 402 (2) and 319(1) of Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria, 2012.
The Prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemi, called four witnesses to prove the case.
He tendered statements of the defendant and witnesses, two locally made guns, a photograph of the defendant, posing with the motorcycle, motorcycle particulars, and a medical report, among others as exhibits.
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The Defendant spoke in his own defence through his Counsel, Olarewaju Oluwasola, but called no witness.
In sentencing the convict, Justice Ogunmoye held that the prosecution had successfully proved the twin charges of armed robbery and murder against him.
The judge said, “In all, the prosecution has succeeded in convincing the court to resolve the sole issue for determination in its favour and I so do.
“The Defendant is accordingly convicted as charged for the offence of armed robbery and murder.
“The Defendant is sentenced to death by hanging in count one (Armed Robbery) and count two (Murder) until he be dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul”.