An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced two convicted serial robbers, Wasiu Afolayan (36) and Kola Adeyemi (34), to death by hanging.
Judge Finds Compelling Evidence
The presiding judge, Ayo Oyebiyi, found the defendants guilty after the prosecution successfully proved they were responsible for multiple armed robberies in Osogbo. Afolayan and Adeyemi faced four charges, including conspiracy, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.
Deadly Crimes and Witness Testimony
Prosecutors presented a compelling case that included witness testimonies and extrajudicial statements from the defendants. Evidence showed the pair robbed residents near C.A.C No. 16, Oke-Onitea Area, Osogbo on December 7, 2018. Afolayan’s arrest at the crime scene led police to Adeyemi in Ikire town. The court also heard about a November 26, 2018 robbery on Oduola Street, Igbona Area, Osogbo, where the gang tragically shot and killed a resident, Olaniyi Adewale.
Defense attorney Ayodele Olaniyan argued for leniency, claiming his clients were first-time offenders. However, Justice Oyebiyi rejected this plea, stating the prosecution had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, both Afolayan and Adeyemi were found guilty of armed robbery and sentenced to death by hanging.
Community Reeling After Violent Crimes
The verdict comes as a relief to Osogbo residents who have been shaken by the recent surge in violent crimes. Many community members attended the trial, and the courtroom erupted in cheers when the sentence was announced.
“We are happy that justice has finally been served,” said one resident who wished to remain anonymous. “These men caused a lot of pain and suffering in our community, and they deserve to be punished.”
The Afolayan and Adeyemi case has renewed calls for increased security measures in Osogbo. Residents are urging local authorities to step up patrols and implement stricter gun control laws.
“We need to do everything we can to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening again,” said another resident. “We need more police officers on the streets, and we need to make it harder for criminals to get guns.”
Police Vow to Crack Down on Crime
Osun State Police Commissioner, Adebayo Bolaji, acknowledged the community’s concerns and vowed to crack down on crime.
“We are committed to protecting the safety of our citizens,” Bolaji said in a statement. “We are working diligently to investigate all leads and bring perpetrators to justice.”
The sentencing of Afolayan and Adeyemi is a significant development in the fight against crime in Osogbo. However, many residents remain cautious, hoping that this verdict will serve as a deterrent and prevent future violence.
Source: Punch
