Court sentences two men to death by hanging for robbery in Ekiti

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2022

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An Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ado Ekiti, has sentenced 36-year-old Fakorede Olawale and 39-year-old Tunji Olaitan to death for armed robbery.

The two men were tried on three counts bordering on attempted murder, attempted rape and armed robbery.

The charge read, “The defendants on November 24, 2015, at the Adehun area, beside Petim Sawmill, Iworoko Road, Ado Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of the court, did attempt to murder, attempt to rape and rob one Titilope Ayeni on the same day.

“The offences are contrary to sections 320 and 559 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16 Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, also Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

In her statement to the police, the victim, a 53-year-old lecturer, said, “I was about to sleep around 8pm when my generator suddenly stopped working. I went to check what happened to it; in the process, the defendants emerged from my compound.

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“Before I said a word, they started cutting me with machetes. I shouted, as I defended my head and face. They dragged me inside my room and attempted to rape me, but they got distracted when my phone rang.

“Thereafter, they tried unsuccessfully to dump me inside my well. Following my shout, my neighbours called the police who came on time in a patrol van. One of the robbers, Fakorede Olawale, escaped with my N15,000 cash, my gold valued at $350, my phone, ATM cards and other valuables I cannot remember. He was later arrested.

“I was taken to a hospital by the police for treatment due to the deep machete cuts sustained in both arms.

“Olawale had once broken into my house and was arrested. That time, he was charged to court, but later released on bail. He had threatened to kill me until he came back with his gangs.”

The police prosecutor, Gbemiga Adaramola, called four witnesses and tendered the victim’s photographs, statements, and bond to release recovered items to the owner, among others, as exhibits.

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The defendants spoke in their own defence through their counsel and did not call any witness.

They urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Adeniyi Familoni said the prosecution proved the offences of attempted murder, attempted rape and armed robbery against the first defendant and attempted murder and armed robbery against the second defendant.

The judge said, “On count one, attempted murder, the two defendants are sentenced to life imprisonment. On count two, attempted rape, the first defendant is sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment without a fine option, while the second defendant is discharged and acquitted.

“On count three, armed robbery, the two defendants are sentenced to death. May the Lord have mercy on your souls.”

Sports

UPDATED: Man City win historic fourth consecutive EPL title

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2024

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Manchester City are champions of the 2023/24 English Premier League season after defeating West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad on the campaign’s final day.

The Citizen clinched the title after finishing just two points over Arsenal, who defeated Everton 2-1 at the Emirate Stadium.

The latest title triumph is Man City’s fourth consecutive title, a record-setting achievement for Pep Guardiola’s side.

It is also the club’s 10th EPL title and the sixth since Guardiola took over the team in 2016.

A Phil Foden brace and Rodri’s shot in second-half ensured Man City ended the season with 91 points over Arsenal’s accumulated total of 89.

The two teams’ performances took the title race to the season’s final day, and the Citizens executed their plans to perfection.

Arsenal had to come from a goal down against Everton, but their effort proved short of the indefatigable champions.

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Idrissa Gueye put Everton ahead early in the first half after his freekick was deflected past David Raya by Declan Rice into the net. The Gunners struck back three minutes later when Takehiro Tomiyaso stroked the ball home after Martin Odegaard teed him up.

Kai Havertz completed the come-back for Mikel Arteta’s side with one of the final kicks of the game.

Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp got a winning farewell in his final game at Anfield, thanks to a Liverpool 2-0 victory over ten-men Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Chelsea confirmed their return to European football next season with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth, while Manchester United will hope to win the FA Cup for a chance to play European football next season after finishing eighth in the league despite a 2-0 win at Brighton.

Luton join Burnley and Sheffield United to be relegated from the EPL following a 4-2 loss to Fulham at home.

RESULTS

Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Brentford 2-4 Newcastle United
Brighton 0-2 Manchester United
Burnley 1-2 Nott. Forest
Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 5-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
Luton 2-4 Fulham
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
Sheffield Utd 0-3 Tottenham

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Sports

BREAKING: Man City win historic fourth consecutive EPL title

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2024

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Manchester City are champions of the 2023/24 English Premier League season after defeating West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad on Sunday.

The Citizen clinched the title after finishing just one point over Arsenal, who defeated Everton 2-1 at the Emirate Stadium.

Details later…

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News

DR Congo army foils ‘coup attempt’

Published

4 hours ago

May 19, 2024

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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army says it has repelled an attempted coup d’etat.

The army said Congolese and foreign fighters were involved in the coup which was reportedly thwarted on Sunday morning.

Sylvain Ekenge, the DRC army spokesperson, spoke in a televised address on the state-run RTNC TV.

“An attempted coup d’etat has been put down by the defence and security forces. The attempt involved foreigners and Congolese. These foreigners and Congolese have been put out of action, including their leader,” Ekenge said.

Ekenge said several suspects have been detained and the “situation is now under control”.

The army spokesperson did not give further information about the incident.

His statement comes hours after armed men attacked the house of Vital Kamerhe, former chief of staff and close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi.

Kamerhe’s residence is about two kilometres from the presidential palace.

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Michel Muhima, Kamerhe’s spokesperson, had said the gunmen clad in military uniform engaged the politician’s guards in a shootout, leaving three people dead.

Muhima said two of the deceased were police officers attached to Kamerhe while the other was one of the attackers.

The unrest in the country comes amid a dispute in the ruling party over the postponement of an election for the leadership of the country’s national assembly.

President Tshisekedi met with parliamentarians and party leaders on Friday in a bid to resolve the crisis.

Tshisekedi was reelected as president in December 2023.