An Ilorin High Court on Thursday, July 10, 2014 sentenced four persons to death by hanging for armed robbery and criminal conspiracy. The condemned men, Ibrahim Olayiwola, Abdul Waheed Aliyu, Tunde Kareem and Omotayo Isah, who broke down shortly after the judgment was handed down by Justice S.T Umar, were charged with robbing petroleum attendants at Rockfield Petroleum Filling Station, Odota, Ilorin in February 2011.
The offences, the prosecution said, are contrary to the provisions of Section 97 of the Penal Code and Section 1 (2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Delivering the judgement, Justice Umar said he agreed with the lead prosecution counsel, MAI Akande, an assistant chief state counsel, that the prosecution had proved its case against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
“There is sufficient evidence to establish the fact that the four convicts conspired among themselves and did rob petroleum attendants at Rockfield Petroleum Filling Station, Odota, Ilorin on 18/02/2011 while armed with gun,” the judge said.
Counsel to the first suspect, Rapheal Ashaolu, had argued that Olayiwola was not at the scene of the incident but was arrested as one of the suspects.
However, counsel to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused persons, Abdulhameed, Abdul Gegele and Kamaldeen Gambri, respectively pleaded alibi, but the court rejected it.
