In a landmark ruling, the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, sentenced Benjamin Joseph (32) and Stephen Orban (25) to death by hanging for their involvement in a violent armed robbery. The judgment was delivered on Thursday, marking a significant verdict in the fight against crime in the state.
The convicts were initially arraigned on December 30, 2022, on four counts, including conspiracy and armed robbery. The charges stemmed from an incident on August 16, 2022, along Iluomoba Road, Aisegba Ekiti, where Joseph and Orban conspired to commit armed robbery.
Details of the Crime
According to the prosecution, the duo, armed with locally made guns, knives, and cutlasses, ambushed and robbed Daramola Christiana and Ajayi Alaba. The stolen items included phones, a power bank, creams, drugs, ATM cards, and ₦105,000 in cash. The crimes were in violation of Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. RII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Victim’s Testimony
In court, one of the victims, a trader, recounted the harrowing experience. She described how four armed men attacked them at a barricade along the Omuo-Ado Ekiti Road. The assailants fled into the bush after seizing their belongings and cash. Following the attack, a sympathizer rescued her while the driver reported the incident to the police.
Prosecution and Defense
The prosecutor, Ibironke Odetola, presented a robust case, calling six witnesses and submitting various exhibits, including charms, phones, camouflage underwear, a hammer, three hoods, fake dollar notes, and cutlasses. The defense, represented by lawyer Adeyinka Opaleke, called no witnesses but spoke on behalf of the defendants.
Court’s Verdict
Justice Blessing Ajileye, in her judgment, stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. She declared, “Consequently, the sentence of this court upon Benjamin Joseph and Stephen Orban is that they are hanged by the neck until they are dead. May God have mercy on your souls.”
This ruling underscores the Ekiti State judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and deterring criminal activities within the region.