Court Gives 18 Years Jail Term To 5 Men For Murder.
A Lagos High Court has sentenced five men to 18 years imprisonment for murder.
Justice Oyidamola Ogala sentenced Imuriana Muhammed, Ogbole Muhammed, Yahaya Sefiyanu, Haruna Suleiman, and Gambo Dauda Ogah to 18 years following their plea bargain agreement on a five-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy to murder rioting, and willful damage of property brought against them by the state government.
The five defendants were charged along with two others, Usman Suleiman and Abdullahi Buruma, who pleaded not guilty.
In view of the five defendants’ guilty pleas, Dr Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), ordered the court to convict and sentence the five defendants according to their guilty pleas.
In his review of facts, Dr Babajide Martins told the court that on the 23rd day of September 2021 at about 16:30 hours, One Kazeem Sunmonu Abonde attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) SHQ, was killed by several Okada riders during enforcement operations at Honda close to Ajao, Estate, Lagos state, Also on the same day and time, ASP Christopher Edafe and other police officers were severely injured during the same incident.
“Investigations revealed my Lord, that the defendants were identified as the perpetrators of the violence. The defendants were arrested and eventually arraigned before this court on July 12, 2023” He added.
Dr Babajide Martins informed the court that the prosecution had called one witness, PW1 Oyighe. At the end of his testimony, the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth defendants, through their counsel, applied for a plea bargain.
“Offences sentencing are conspiracy to murder 14 years, rioting 3 years and criminal damage 1 year, total sentences 18 years to run consecutively” He said.
He also accounted that the deceased had two weeks to retire.
“csp Kazeem sumonu Abonde had 2 weeks to retire and already set up his legal practice., before he was gruesomely murdered by defendants and others at large. This sentence will guarantee that public officers will always enjoy protection of law whilst executing their duties.” He added.
Justice Ogala after listening to the review of facts from the prosecution, convicted the defendants and sentenced them according to their plea bargain agreement.
“In view of the plea bargain agreement from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th defendants have been found guilty and convicted.
“According to section 77 of the criminal law of Lagos state, Imuriana Muhammed, Ogbole Muhammed, Yahaya Sefiyanu, Haruna Suleiman, and Gambo Dauda Ogah are sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.
“Conspiracy to murder 14 years, rioting 3 years, willful damage of property one year imprisonment. The terms shall run consecutively and it shall commence from the day of your remand June 14, 2023.” She said
Dr Babajide Martins prayed to the court of a trial date for the 5th and 7th defendants, Usman Suleiman and Abdullahi Buruma who pleaded not guilty.
Justice Ogala adjourned the case to April 9, 2025 for trial in respect of the 5th and 7th defendants and further remand them at the correctional facility were they are held currently.
