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 verdict, delivered by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, followed a strong case presented by the prosecution which proved Peter’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

According to court records, Peter and others still at large attacked a commercial motorcyclist, Augustine Steven, on May 16, 2022, along NTA Road in Ado-Ekiti. Armed with a cutlass and an axe, they stole the victim’s red Bajaj motorcycle and ₦15,000 cash. The victim later spotted Peter three days after the attack, leading to his arrest and the recovery of the stolen motorcycle.

During the trial, the victim testified that he clearly recognised Peter’s face since the area was well-lit at the time of the robbery. The prosecution counsel, O.S. Akinwumi, presented four witnesses and several exhibits, including the defendant’s confessional statement and the recovered motorcycle documents. Peter, however, denied the charges and called no witnesses in his defence.

In his ruling, Justice Adeleye stated that the evidence against the defendant was overwhelming. He emphasised that the defendant’s confession and the recovery of the stolen motorcycle confirmed his involvement in the crime. “The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant is guilty as charged,” the judge declared.

The court consequently sentenced Alex Peter to nine years’ imprisonment for conspiracy and life imprisonment for armed robbery, stressing the need to deter others from engaging in violent crimes.