Date: 2019-03-07

A Kwara state High Court sitting in Ilorin, the state capital has sentenced a notorious criminal, Olatunji Ibrahim Ariyo and four others to death.

Others include Ganiyu Sulyman Yaro, Timothy Oyebanji, Lukman Olateju Sanda and Akeem Olayinka (deceased).

They are to die by hanging, the court said.

Ariyo who is popular in the state capital for his nefarious activities.

In her judgement, Justice Adenike Akinpelu said that the convicts were tried on a six-count charge for the offences of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, causing mischief by fire and theft contrary to section 6 (b) and 1 (2) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 and sections 337 and 286 of the Penal code.

The court held that on 25th April, 2015, the convict committed the said offences at Agbarere area, in Ilorin.

"Each of the convicts is sentenced to imprisonment for a term of two years and the sum of N25,000 is imposed as fine on each of them on count 5 for causing mischief by fire.

"Each of the convict is sentenced to death to be executed pursuant to Robbery and Firearms Act on count 1, 2, 3 and 4 for the offences of criminal conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery respectively.

Making appearance for the prosecution are the state Director of Public Prosecution, Barr. Abdulmumini Adebimpe Jimoh, Senior State Counsels, Kayode Adekeye and B. O Banigbe.

Toyin Muhammed Onanolapo appeared for the first accused while Ayodeji Azeez represented the second accused in the matter.

Ariyo with his gang were said to have invaded homes of no fewer than eight families in Ilorin metropolis to carry out robbery attacks.