Ex-convict, three others sentenced to d3ath for kidnapping and m8rder in Ekiti

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced four persons to d3ath by hanging for kidnapping and m8rdering a victim.

The convicts are Jimoh Dele, 57; Ige Adu, 56; Ogunremi Bunmi, 53; and Ayeni Blessing,32.

They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, m8rder and illegal possession of firearms over an incident that occurred on September 1, 2022.

The prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, told the court that the defendants conspired to kidnap and murder Chief Ajayi Emmanuel at his residence.

He also said four locally made single-barrel guns and 13 live cartridges were recovered from them.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 516A, 3(a) and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, and Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Prohibition) Act.

In his judgment, Justice Olalekan Olatawura said the confessional statements of the first, second and third defendants showed they were serial kidnappers, armed robbers and housebreakers, while Bunmi Ogunremi was an ex-convict.

The judge said the prescribed punishments for the offences allowed no room for judicial discretion.