An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a 27-year-old man, Alex Peter, to life imprisonment for armed robbery and an additional nine years for conspiracy. The judgment was delivered by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, who ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Peter was first arraigned on December 29, 2022, on two counts of armed robbery and conspiracy. According to the prosecution, the convict and his accomplices, who are still at large, attacked one Augustine Steven on May 16, 2022, along NTA Road in Ado-Ekiti. They allegedly robbed him of his red Bajaj motorcycle and ₦15,000 while armed with a cutlass and axe.

The victim, a commercial motorcyclist, recounted that Peter had hired him for a trip but later ambushed him with an accomplice who emerged from the bush. After stealing his money and motorcycle, they fled the scene. The victim later recognised Peter days after the incident and, with the help of bystanders, handed him over to the police. A search led to the recovery of the stolen motorcycle at Peter’s residence.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by O.S. Akinwumi, presented four witnesses and tendered several exhibits, including Peter’s confessional statement and the recovered motorcycle documents. Although Peter denied the charges, the judge ruled that the evidence and confession were consistent and credible.

Justice Adeleye, in his judgment, found Peter guilty of both conspiracy and armed robbery. He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for conspiracy and life imprisonment for armed robbery, to run concurrently.