19-year-old to hang over armed robbery

A 19-year-old man, Adeolu Bamiteko, was yesterday sentenced to death by hanging by an Ado-Ekiti High Court for participating in armed robbery.

The court also awarded him 10 years imprisonment for the offence of unlawful possession of firearms.

Sentencing the convict, Justice John Adeyeye, however, discharged a 12-year-old boy, Ayobami Ojo, having been an underage person in line with Section 30 of the Criminal Code.

The judge held that the accused was guilty as charged having committed the offence contrary to Section 6(b) of Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Bamiteko was arrested and arraigned alongside Ojo and arraigned on three counts charge of conspiracy, robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

The accused was first arraigned in court on 16th February, 2017 and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution called three witnesses to prove the case while the accused did not call any witness.

Exhibits such as the accused’s statement, items stolen from the victim, one locally-made pistol with live cartridge, one knife, two Nokia phones and a golden wristwatch were tendered and admitted.

Justice Adeyeye held: “The court hereby discharges the 1st defendant (Ojo) pursuant to Section 30 of the Criminal Code. But the 2nd defendant (Bamiteko) is found guilty of armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearm as contained in Counts One to Three and he is accordingly convicted.

“On Count Two, the sentence of armed robbery is mandatory in respect of which I have no discretion. Therefore, the 2nd defendant is sentenced to death by hanging until he is dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.

“On Count Three, the second defendant is sentenced to ten years imprisonment; both sentences are to run concurrently.”