An Akure High Court Wednesday sentenced two people to death by hanging for the murder of former vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof Albert Ilemobade.
Daniel Ita Effiong and Olayemi Bamitale were former domestic staff of the 79-year-old professor of veterinary medicine.
The court, presided over by Justice William Olamide, found them guilty of a three-count charge of conspiracy to murder, murder and robbery.
The prosecution successfully proved that the two accused persons strangled the former VC to death at his residence in Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State, on June 21, 2015.
The offence, according to prosecution, was contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
The prosecution, led by the State Director of Public Prosecution, Adejoke Adeyemi-Tuki, called four witnesses and tendered several exhibits during the prosecution.
The charges read: “That you Daniel Ita Effiong and Olayemi Bamitale on the 21st June 2015 at about 9pm at No. 1 Ikere Street Ijapo Estate commit felony to wit: murder and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
“That you Daniel Ita Effiong and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did kill one Professor Albert Adeoye Ilemobade by jointly strangled him to death and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 316 and punishable under section 319 of Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
“That you Daniel Ita Effiong and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did conspire together to commit felony to wit: robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 403A of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
“That you Daniel Ita Effiong and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did rob one late Professor Albert Adeoye Ilemobade Rav 4 Jeep 2008 model with registration number Lagos GGE-589-CF valued yet unknown and the sum of seven thousand naira property of late Professor Albert Adeoye Ilemobade and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 401 of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006”.
In his ruling, Justice William Olamide held that the prosecution was able to establish and prove their case beyond reasonable doubt and to the satisfaction of the court.
“The accused persons were callous, wicked and inconsiderate when they decided to slew out life of an elderly person over his property. Against this backdrop, the accused persons do not deserve the sympathy or mercy of this court,” the judge said.
“Law must take its cause and this will serve as a deterrent to other. The accused persons are hereby sentenced to death by hanging. May God have mercy on your souls.”
