Three Sentenced to Death for Armed Robbery in Ekiti Hospital Heist

An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced three men to death by hanging for armed robbery. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.

The convicted individuals—Lasisi Afeez (33), Ilesanmi Seun (32), and Ajewole Peter (53)—were found guilty on charges of conspiracy and armed robbery. They were arraigned on a four-count charge relating to a robbery that took place on March 29, 2022.

According to the prosecution, the defendants, armed with guns and cutlasses, robbed a medical doctor, Ojo Dada Emmanuel, at his hospital on Nova Road, Ado Ekiti. They stole his Toyota Corolla car, wedding ring, cash, phones, laptops, and ATM cards. On the same night, they also robbed another individual, Balogun Ahmed, of his phones and cash.

During the trial, Dr. Emmanuel testified that the robbers, who did not cover their faces, entered his hospital around 11 p.m., assaulted him and others at gunpoint, and made off with his belongings. His vehicle was later recovered by police after being sold by the robbers, though its plate number had been removed.

The prosecution, led by Julius Ajibare, presented three witnesses and submitted evidence including firearms, phones, live cartridges, and car documents. The defendants, represented by their lawyers, did not call any witnesses in their defence.

In his ruling, Justice Ogunmoye stated that the prosecution successfully proved the case of conspiracy and armed robbery. The court discharged and acquitted the defendants on a fourth count of unlawful possession of firearms.

“Consequently, the judgment of this court upon the defendants is that they be hanged by the neck until they be dead. May God Almighty have mercy upon your souls,” the judge pronounced.

This ruling follows a similar judgment by the same court in November, when two individuals were also sentenced to death for armed robbery in Ado Ekiti.