Three bag death sentence for murder, robbery of corps member in Osun
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Three men have been sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife, for the murder and robbery of one Adebayo Mukaila, a corps member, serving in Osogbo.
The convicts, Jelili Kareem, an herb seller; Oludayo Oludele, an Okada rider; and Awodeji Muyiwa, an electrician, were arraigned before Justice Adedapo Adeniji. They faced charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms.
On his part, Anifowose Buliaminu, who was accused of purchasing a stolen recharge card from the convicts, was also arraigned.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr. Muyiwa Ogunleye, the crime took place on January 28, 2020, in the Omo West Area of Osogbo.
The court heard that Kareem, Oludele, and Muyiwa conspired to rob and murder Mukaila, stealing his phone, recharge card, and other valuables. They subsequently sold the stolen recharge card to Buliaminu.
During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses, including the deceased’s 10-year-old daughter, who witnessed the murder, a family member, a pathologist, and an investigative police officer.
The prosecution argued that the offences of conspiracy and murder violated sections 516 and 324 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 34, Vol 2, Laws of Osun, 2002.
While arguing that the armed robbery charge contravenes Section 6(b) and was punishable under Section 1(2)(a)&(b) of the Robbery & Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap RII, Law of Federation of Nigeria, 2004, he added that unlawful possession of firearms charge contravened Section 27(1)(b)(ii) of the same act.
Despite the defense by their counsel, Mr. Adeshina Olaniyan, Adedokun M.O., Folashade Ipede, and Sulaiman Akano, who called no additional witnesses, Justice Adeniji ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, Kareem, Oludele, and Muyiwa were sentenced to death.
However, Buliaminu was discharged and acquitted of the charge of receiving stolen recharge cards.
