Armed robber to die by hanging’ - Court

 

A Lagos High Court, Ikeja, presided over by Justice Adenike Coker, on Tuesday, sentenced an armed robber, Akoh Jude to death by hanging. 

The judge decided after finding him guilty as charged by the Lagos State Government (LASG).

It would be recalled that the LASG had arraigned the armed robber on two counts of conspiracy and armed robbery.

The convicted Jude was accused of committing the offence with others who are still at large at Odogunyan, Ikorodu area of the state at about 2300 hours on October 13, 2017.

According to the state government, the offence committed by Jude is contrary to Sections 299, 297 (2)(a) of the Criminal Law Cap C17, Vol 3 Laws of Lagos State 2015. 

In handing down her judgment, Justice Coker held that armed robbery is a capital offence and that the defendant should be punished accordingly.

Justice Coker posited that it was evident that there was a robbery, and the defendant was part of the culprits who robbed one Gbolahan Alabi of his Tecno Camon Phone with some cash on October 13, 2017.

In her words: “The victim gave direct evidence which was potent; whereas, the defendant tried to distract the court during the trial by stating the time and where he was arrested, instead of when the crime was perpetuated.

“It was noted in the evidence during trial, that the defendant was armed with an axe during the time of the robbery incident.”

Consequently, Justice Coker found him guilty as charged.

Before the court arrived at its decision, counsel for the convict, Rukayat Owolabi in her plea for mercy, hinted to Justice Coker that the defendant was a first-time offender, very young and still useful to society.

“I believe he can be a better person and with the years he has been in custody, he must have learnt his lesson,” Owolabi stated.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Mrs B. Ojukutu-Shobande, who prayed the court to sentence the armed robber in accordance with the provision of the law, insisted that armed robbery is considered a capital offence.

Justice Coker sentenced the defendant to 21 years imprisonment on count one, which borders on conspiracy to commit robbery. 

“The court takes this opportunity to advise counsels to always lay down the options of a plea bargain before defendants. The defendant is hereby sentenced to death on count two, which borders on armed robbery. This sentence shall run concurrently, may God have mercy on you," Justice Coker said.

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