Justice Patricia Oduniyi of Abeokuta High Court on Tuesday June 9, 2020 sentenced an armed robber, Francis Okonkwo, to death by hanging.
Though, Okonkwo, 28, pleaded not guilty to the crime of robbery he was accused of, Justice Oduniyi pointed out that the prosecutor had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the convict committed the offences he was accused of and equally guilty of it.
Okonkwo was guilty of the seven-count charge bordering of conspiracy and armed robbery.
Prior to the death penalty and during the proceeding, Akinola Owolabi, the prosecution counsel, informed the court that Okonkwo and his gang robbed six houses at gun point, at Bode Thomas Street, Olowotedo Community in Mowe area of Ogun on March 25, 2015.
The offence contravened Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (special provisions) Act, Cap Rll Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Among the victims of the gang was one Isiaka Durosimi, who was disposed of four telephones, camera, gold wrist watch and N75,000 cash and equally had his leg injured.
Also, the gang robbed one Bolarinwa Oluwole of seven handsets, gold wedding ring and N98,000.
At the point of arrest, he was found with 17 live cartridges and one locally made double barrel gun and a pistol.
After a successful operation, the convict was arrested by some members of the community. He was arrested with another gang member identified as Igwe Egede, who was thoroughly beaten and eventually died on the way to Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
