Bank robbery: Evangelist, five others sentenced to death by hanging in Ondo

An Akure High Court in Ondo State has sentenced an Evangelist, Adewale Adelu, and five others to death by hanging over their roles and involvement in armed robberies in the state.

The convicts, including Adelu, Ikechuckwu Maduagwu, Fayemi Olubusuyi, Ropo Adeleye, Dele Otopka, and Bayo Omotosho, were found guilty of attacking and robbing two commercial banks in Akure and Idanre 13 years ago.

The robbery incidents took place at the defunct Diamond Bank in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, and the First Bank in Idanre, the headquarters of the Idanre Local Council.

Justice Yemi Fasanmi presided over the case and delivered the death sentences to the convicts.

The culprits were arraigned on July 14, 2022, on four counts of conspiracy, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.

Following their arraignment, they were subsequently remanded in the Olokuta Correctional Centre.

During the trial, the Prosecution Counsel, Salami, presented evidence that the convicts, armed with AK-47 rifles and dynamite, carried out the robberies that shook the communities of Akure and Idanre.

While stating that the defendants were unanimous in their confessions and the role each of them played in the operations, Justice Fasanmi consequently sentenced all the defendants to death by hanging in each of the counts.