An Akure High Court in Ondo State has handed down a grave verdict, sentencing a renowned Akure-based Evangelist (Pastor) , Adewale Adelu, and five accomplices to death by hanging for their involvement in two separate bank heists that occurred 13 years ago. The convicted individuals, including Ikechuckwu Maduagwu, Fayemi Olubusuyi, Ropo Adeleye, Dele Otopka, and Bayo Omotosho, were found guilty of orchestrating armed robberies at commercial banks in Akure and Idanre on November 19 and December 8, 2011, respectively.
Justice Yemi Fasanmi, presiding over the case, emphasized the prosecution’s success in establishing the charges of armed robbery against all the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial, which commenced on July 14, 2022, saw the convicts facing four counts including conspiracy, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms, leading to their remand in the Olokuta Correctional Centre.
The Prosecuting Counsel, F.K Salami, recounted how the defendants, armed with AK-47 rifles and explosives, launched coordinated attacks on Diamond Bank Plc in Akure and First Bank Plc in Idanre, looting a total of N34 million along with other valuable items. Additionally, they were implicated in a separate incident where they robbed two pastors of their vehicles at gunpoint.
The convictions were made under the purview of Sections 6b, 1 2a, and b of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. Despite pleading not guilty, the defendants’ guilt was substantiated through eyewitness testimonies, particularly from a bank employee who described the harrowing ordeal during the robbery.
The defendants, in their individual confessions, admitted to their roles in the criminal operations, detailing their collaboration with other syndicates from Lagos, Port-Harcourt, and the South East. They disclosed the procurement of arms from external sources and the distribution of proceeds among themselves.
In delivering the verdict, Justice Fasanmi underscored the weight of the confessional statements, which aligned closely with prosecution evidence and witness testimonies. He highlighted Evangelist Adelu’s pivotal role in coordinating the robberies through phone communications, solidifying the case for conspiracy.
Ultimately, Justice Fasanmi decreed the ultimate penalty, sentencing all six defendants to death by hanging for their crimes. The ruling serves as a stern warning against criminal activities and affirms the judiciary’s commitment to dispensing justice in accordance with the law.
The court’s decision, while reflecting the gravity of the offenses committed, also underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within society. It sends a clear message that criminal acts will be met with severe consequences, thereby fostering deterrence and promoting public safety.
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