A 23-year old man, Azeez Akinpelu has been sentenced to death by hanging for killing an 11-year old girl, Rokibat Odeyale, during a ceremony in Owode Egba, in Obafemi/Owode Local Government area of Ogun State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that an Ogun State High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, on Monday, found Akinpelu, a resident of Owode, guilty and convicted him on five-count charge of conspiracy, possession of fire arms, manslaughter, attempted murder, and murder.
The Presiding Judge, Justice O.O Stanley, while delivering judgment, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that Akinpelu was guilty as charged.
She stated that the offence committed contravened Section 324, 316, 319 and 320 of the criminal code laws of Ogun and Section 27(1)(b)(1) of Firearms Act Cap Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2014. She thereafter, gave Akinpelu multiple sentence for the offences.
“I here by sentence you, Azeez Akinpelu, to death by hanging “you shall be hung until you are dead, may God have mercy on you. You are also sentenced to life imprisonment for manslaughter and attempted murder with three-month imprisonment with hard labour for possession of firearms,”she said.
During the trial, the Senior State Prosecuting Counsel said the convict committed the offence on 27 March, 2021 at about 6:00pm at Atala People Igbeyin, Owode Egba, in Obafemi/Owode Local Government area of Ogun State.
The counsel said that the defendant conspired among his friends to murder one Rokibat Odeyale by shooting her on her head with a local pistol.
She explained further that on March 27, 2021, the people of Igbeyin were celebrating Orile Igbeyin Day, when they heard a gunshot from the crowd.
“The gunshot hit two sisters, one named Rokibat, 11years old was shot on the head, while the other girl, Fatia, sustained injury on her hand and leg, they were immediately rushed to the hospital.”
“They were both taken to Federal Medical Center, Idi-Aba and Rokibat was later transfered to UCH, Ibadan, were she died,” the prosecuting counsel said.
She added that while the defendant was chased and accosted and he was found with a bag, which contained a locally made pistol, cartridge, charm, knife and a padlock.
The matter was reported to the Police, who arrested and charged him before the court where he was tried, found guilty and sentenced accordingly.
