On March 23, 2023, the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja handed down a death sentence by hanging to four men, namely Victor Chukwunonso, Ifeanyi Maduaka, Obinna Nwankwo, and Richard Nwabueze. The convicts were found guilty of armed robbery and the kidnapping of Mrs Gloria Emole, which occurred on November 19, 2012, at about 8:30 am. The defendants were arraigned on July 13, 2013, and remanded in prison custody.
During the trial, the prosecution was able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the convicts had committed the crimes, and Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo upheld the prosecution’s case. The convicts were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping preferred against them by Lagos State, and the state Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Babajide Martins, informed the court that they had kidnapped Mrs Gloria Emole as she was about to leave her house at 7, Unity Street, Ogudu GRA, Lagos.
ALSO READ: Ikorodu City aims to win Lagos State FA Cup. Read full details!
The offences committed by the convicts are contrary to and punishable under Sections 297, 285(2)a, and 291 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. Mrs Gloria Emole was released on November 22, 2012, after a ransom of $70,000 was paid by her husband.
In his ruling, Justice Lawal-Akapo sentenced the defendants to 10 years for the first count of conspiracy, and they were also sentenced to death by hanging for the second count of armed robbery. Additionally, the convicts were sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for the third count of kidnapping. The verdict was a clear indication that the court would not condone any form of criminal activities, especially those that endanger the lives of innocent citizens.
