Ekiti armed robbery verdict sees seven men sentenced to death after the court finds them guilty of multiple violent robberies in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti armed robbery verdict delivered on Thursday has resulted in seven men being sentenced to death by the High Court in Ado Ekiti after they were found guilty of a string of violent robberies committed across the state capital.

Also read: Ekiti Court sentences three to death for armed robbery

The court ruled that the defendants acted jointly in the attacks, which left several families traumatised.

Three of the robberies took place between 2018 and 2019, during which the gang stole vehicles, money, laptops, phones and other valuables.

Two of the convicts, Oyebanji Jimoh and Jimoh Azeez, had previously been sentenced to death in an unrelated armed robbery case, underscoring the severity of their criminal history.

The other five convicted men are Bolaji Ayodele Stephen, Ibrahim Alausa, Olorunfemi Busayo, Adeniyi Adewumi and Idowu Sunday.

All seven faced charges of conspiracy, armed robbery and membership of the Eiye Confraternity, a prohibited secret cult in Ekiti State.

One of the victims recounted how she and her family were ambushed at Dallimore Junction shortly after arriving from Ijebu Remo.

She explained that the robbers ordered them to lie face down before taking their belongings and fleeing with her Toyota Corolla.

Her report to the police later formed part of the evidence presented in court.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Taiwo Ariyo, called four witnesses and tendered several exhibits, including the defendants’ statements, a shotgun, cartridges, berets and photographs.

The defence team, represented by S.K. Idowu, called no witnesses as the defendants chose to speak through their lawyer.

In his judgment, Justice Adekunle Adeleye held that the men acted with a common purpose. He noted that they not only carried out the attacks but also confessed to sharing the stolen items among themselves.

He said their coordinated actions demonstrated clear intent and criminal unity.

Also read: 12 Arrested in Robbery That Killed Arise News Anchor

The judge therefore imposed the death sentence on all seven individuals, stating that the evidence against them was overwhelming and their guilt unequivocal.