On Monday, the High Court of Ekiti State, presided over by Hon. Justice A.L. Ogunmoye, sentenced four individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in a kidnapping case.
The convicts, Adeoye Sunday, Adewusi Dare, Bamigboye Damilola, and Ogunlayi Seun, were also given an additional five-year prison term for conspiracy. The fifth defendant, Ojo Tope, was acquitted and discharged of all charges.
The offenses took place on September 14, 2017, in Ikere-Ekiti, where the victims kidnapped 75-year-old Madam Florence Popoola from her home. She was held captive in a forest between Eyio and Awo-Ekiti for four days before being released after a ransom of N1.5 million was paid.
The convicts faced multiple charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping under relevant Nigerian laws. The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Julius Ajibare, Esq., presented a robust case with four witnesses and eight exhibits to establish the guilt of the accused.
During the trial, the defense, represented by Chris Omokhafe, Esq., and Sunday Ochai, Esq., argued on behalf of the defendants but did not present any witnesses. Despite their defense, the court found the evidence against them compelling.
After a thorough review of the evidence, the court convicted the four defendants of conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping. Their life imprisonment sentences reflect the gravity of their crimes, while the acquittal of Ojo Tope marks the end of the legal proceedings for this case.
