NIGERIA: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR ARMED ROBBERY

April 4, 2018:

A State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a man, Raji Babatunde, to death for armed robbery.
Justice Cornelius Akintayo in a judgment delivered on April 4 held that the prosecution has proved the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
He, however, discharged and acquitted the second accused person, Adegboye Sunday, due to lack of sufficient evidence against him.
None of the witnesses called to give evidence in the case linked the second accused person to the commission of the crime leaving the court with no option than to set him free.
Babatunde was arraigned on two-count charge of armed robbery.
The offence contravenes Section 1(2)(a)of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 Vol 14 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under same.
According to the charge sheet, the two robbery incidents occurred on or about 30th June, 2014 at No 15, Odundun Street, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti.
Babatunde and two others robbed one Alhaji Mudsahiru Bello of two Nokia phones, one Tecno phone while armed with axe and cutlass.
Handing down the verdict, Justice Akintayo said: “My sentence on you, Raji Babatunde, is that you be hanged by your neck until you be dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”