Akure Evangelist, Five Others Sentenced to Death by Hanging for 2011 Armed Robberies

A High Court in Akure has condemned six individuals, including prominent Evangelist Adewale Adelu, to death by hanging for their roles in an armed robbery that transpired 13 years ago. The verdict was delivered by Justice Yemi Fasanmi, who declared Ikechuckwu Maduagwu, Adewale Adelu, Fayemi Olubusuyi, Ropo Adeleye, Dele Otopka, and Bayo Omotosho guilty of robbing two commercial banks in Akure and Idanre in 2011.

The prosecution successfully established the charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms, presenting evidence that the convicts, armed with AK-47 guns and explosives, executed the robberies at Diamond Bank Plc in Akure and First Bank Plc in Idanre, making away with millions in cash and valuables.

During the trial, a witness recounted the harrowing events within the bank premises, where the armed robbers forcibly entered, fired gunshots, and even shot a police officer named Olowoyelu. The defendants, in separate confessions, admitted their involvement, detailing their roles, and disclosing the orchestrated coordination with a criminal gang from Lagos, Port-Harcourt, and the South East.

Despite claims of coercion in one defendant’s confessional statement, Justice Fasanmi maintained that the unanimity of their confessions, along with supporting testimonies, linked them to the crimes. Emphasizing the role of Evangelist Adelu in coordinating the robbery via phone calls, the court found all six defendants guilty of conspiracy and armed robbery.

Justice Fasanmi handed down the ultimate penalty, sentencing each of the six defendants to death by hanging for their actions on November 19 and December 8, 2011. The convictions were based on the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.