An Akure High Court in Ondo State has handed down a verdict of death by hanging to an Evangelist, Adewale Adelu, and five others for their involvement in armed robberies in the state.
The convicted individuals, which include Adelu, Ikechuckwu Maduagwu, Fayemi Olubusuyi, Ropo Adeleye, Dele Otopka, and Bayo Omotosho, were found guilty of orchestrating attacks on two commercial banks in Akure and Idanre 13 years ago.
The robbery incidents occurred at the defunct Diamond Bank in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, and the First Bank in Idanre, the headquarters of the Idanre Local Council.
Presiding over the case, Justice Yemi Fasanmi delivered the death sentences to the convicts.
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The culprits were arraigned on July 14, 2022, facing charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.
Subsequently, they were remanded in the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending trial.
During the proceedings, the Prosecution Counsel, Salami, presented compelling evidence indicating that the convicts, armed with AK-47 rifles and dynamite, carried out the robberies that sent shockwaves through the communities of Akure and Idanre.
Justice Fasanmi, noting the unanimity of the defendants’ confessions and their respective roles in the operations, pronounced the death penalty by hanging for each count against all the defendants.
