Three jailed 97 years for abduction in Ekiti

In a significant ruling, the Ekiti State High Court has handed down a combined sentence of 97 years imprisonment to three individuals convicted of kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of offensive weapons. The judgment, delivered at the Ado Ekiti Division, underscores the state's commitment to tackling violent crime and ensuring justice for victims.

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She was released after N8 million was paid and reported the incident to the police afterwards.

The convicts, Augustine Agbogbo, Adeniyi Olamilekan, and Ademoh Gabriel, were found guilty on multiple counts. Agbogbo received the longest sentence of 40 years, while Olamilekan was sentenced to 25 years, and Gabriel to 32 years. These sentences, to run concurrently, reflect the severity of the crimes committed and the impact on the victims.

Justice Adeniyi Familoni presided over the case, which involved a six-count charge including conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The prosecution presented evidence and testimonies detailing incidents where the defendants allegedly robbed and kidnapped individuals, including a retired naval officer, Lt Cdr Victoria Eisape, and Ajibade Adeleke. The court also heard evidence of firearms and ammunition found in the defendants' possession.

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The court, however, discharged and acquitted three other defendants — Ogungbemi Gbenga, Monday Rakiya, and Oseni Mutairu — for the prosecution’s failure to prove the charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of dangerous weapons against them.

Notably, three other defendants—Ogungbemi Gbenga, Monday Rakiya, and Oseni Mutairu—were acquitted. The court determined that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against them beyond a reasonable doubt, highlighting the principle that justice must be based on solid evidence. The sentences for the convicted individuals take effect from the date of their arrest, ensuring that their time served contributes towards their total jail terms.

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Delivering judgment, Justice Familoni held that the retraction of confessional statements by Agbogbo, Olamilekan, and Gabriel was an afterthought and rejected their defence.