An Ondo State High Court in Akure has sentenced David Friday, a serving police officer, and Innocent Victor, who posed as a soldier, to death by hanging for their involvement in armed robbery.

The sentencing follows their conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy, armed robbery, and impersonation of armed forces personnel.

The offences occurred in Idanre on January 15, 2021. According to prosecution witnesses, the two men were armed with jack knives and used a TVS motorcycle to stop and rob victims at night.

Akinmodun Akinleye, a farmer returning from his farm along Ibepo, recounted that the suspects, dressed in police and military attire, ransacked his vehicle, took N6,000, and demanded 30 litres of petrol for their motorcycle. He later discovered his Itel phone, valued at N8,500, was missing.

Another witness, Olowogbadegun Lanre, a security guard on night duty at Yaba Junction, said the duo attempted to seize his firearm, beat the driver of an 18-seater bus, and stole N5,000.

?Around 4 a.m., the driver returned to ask if I knew the two men, and I confirmed that I did. Together, we went to the police station to report,? Lanre testified.

A third witness, transporter Adeyeye Sesan, described being robbed of N125,000 and sustaining injuries after resisting the men?s demands. One suspect was in military camouflage, the other in a police T-shirt, and both used physical assault and a pistol during the robbery.

During the trial, police prosecutor Inspector Ilesanmi Samuel confirmed that David Friday was attached to Olofin Police Station in Idanre, while Innocent Victor?s claim of military service was false, verified by the Owena Cantonment in Akure. Both defendants confessed to the crimes during investigations.

In delivering judgment, Justice W.R. Olamide stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. ?The court finds the defendants guilty as charged and sentences them to death by hanging,? he ruled. (The Guardian)

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