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Court Sentences 7 To Die By Hanging In Akure, See Why

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Justice For Killed US-based Business Man

An Akure High Court has yesterday sentenced seven persons to death over the murder of a US-based businessman, Banji Adafin, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Naija News learnt the deceased traveled to Nigeria for the holidays with his family members when he was killed in the presence of his wife and child on Temidire Street, Muyiwa Oni Avenue along Akure/Owo Expressway.

The deceased and his wife, Funmi, were said to have hidden in their bedroom on arrival of the convicts at about 8:30p.m. on July 31, 2017, but two of the robbers accessed the room through the ceiling and shot the deceased.

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Officials of the Department of State Services, DSS, arrested the convicts at various places even one who tried to escape arrest by hiding in a plastic filled with water.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ademola Bola said those convicted for murder and armed robbery that would be killed by hanging and firing squad included an Okada operator, Jimoh Sodiq, alias Akamo; Blessing Ogunlade, Yomi Balogun alias Regal, Akeem Adedayo, Oso John Omoniyi, alias Bosco and Sodiq Babatunde.

Jimoh Sodiq, whose mother is a fish seller in the neighbourhood, told the gang that the deceased had arrived from America, so they can rob him of some dollars.

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The eighth accused person, who is the girlfriend of one of the convicts, Damilola Samuel, alias Mama, was sentenced to one-year imprisonment for serving as the armourer to the gang, contrary to Section 10 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37 vol 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.

The charges preferred against the convicts included conspiracy to commit armed robbery contrary to and punishable under Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision)Act cap R11 Volume 14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Apart from killing the US-based businessman, the accused also stole N33,000 and other valuables in his residence.

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Some of the items stolen included an i-Pad, phones belonging to the deceased and their housemaid Deborah, television sets, laptops, and a huge amount of money.

The judge said the convict were also found guilty of aiding and abetting contrary to and punishable under Sections 6 of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act Cap R11 Vol 14 Laws of the Federation.

Also, Justice Bola found them culpable in illegal dealing in arms and ammunition contrary to Section 9 and punishable under Sections 271(1)(b) of the Firearms Act, Cap F26 Laws of the Federation.