Hanging Verdict: Ondo Pastor and Accomplices Pay the Ultimate Price
An Ondo State High Court in Akure, the state capital, has handed down death sentences to six individuals, including a pastor, Adewale Adelu, and five others—namely Ikechuckwu Maduagwu, Fayemi Olubusuyi, Ropo Adeleye, Dele Otopka, and Bayo Omotosho. Their conviction stems from bank robberies in Akure and Idanre back in 2011.
The court’s verdict, delivered on Tuesday, found them guilty of robbing two commercial banks in Akure and Idanre on November 19 and December 8, 2011, respectively. The arrest took place under the jurisdiction of the state police command, leading to their subsequent trial.
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Initially facing a four-count charge related to conspiracy, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms, the convicts were remanded in Olokuta Correctional Centre.
Prosecuting counsel F.K Salami presented evidence that the group, armed with AK 47 guns and explosives, conspired to attack and rob a branch of Diamond Bank Plc, making away with N30 million and various valuable items. Another robbery on December 8, 2011, involved the theft of N4 million from First Bank Plc in Idanre.
The offences were argued under Sections 6b, 12a, and b of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. Throughout court proceedings, both prosecution and defence counsel presented arguments, and witnesses testified.
In rendering the judgment, Justice Yemi Fasanmi stated that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendants’ unanimous confessions and their respective roles in the robberies led to the grave decision—death sentences by hanging for all the defendants in each count.
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It’s worth noting that a separate court in Akure had previously sentenced Gbenga Akintola to 21 years in prison for his involvement in robbery.
Akintola, apprehended by the Amotekun command and police in Ondo town in 2021, faced charges related to conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery, using dangerous weapons like cutlasses to rob three individuals of their money and valuables.
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