2 men to die by hanging for stealing mobile phones in Lagos

An Ikeja High Court on Wednesday sentenced two men — Seun Omoilodan and Gbenga Kayode – to death by hanging for robbing one Alhaji Jinadu of his mobile phones and money on November 2, 2011, as well as one Rilwan Gbadamosi and his wife, on November 9, 2011, of various items.

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye handed down the judgment after finding the two men guilty of a three-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and attempted robbery.

She said:

"The defendants are hereby convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for armed robbery.

"On the third count of attempted robbery, the defendants are sentenced to life imprisonment."

Counsel to Omoilodan and Kayode, Mr Damola Victor, had earlier appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy.

"My Lord, kindly temper justice with mercy. The defendants are first time offenders and have shown remorse for their crimes."

The convicts committed the offences on Nov. 2 and 9, 2011 at Ayangburen Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The prosecution led by the Chief State Counsel, Mr Akin George, had told the court that the two men while armed with dangerous weapons robbed one Alhaji Jinadu of unspecified number of mobile phones and cash on Nov. 2, 2011.

George said that on Nov. 9, 2011 the convicts also robbed one Mr Rilwan Gbadamosi and his wife of cash and property. The offences contravened Sections 295 (2), (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. ‎