Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of Lagos State High Court in Igbosere has sentenced two men to death by hanging for armed robbery and rape.
The men, Williams Udoh and Ubong Isaiah, had been arraigned by the Lagos State government on a five-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and rape.
Justice Ipaye also sentenced Udoh to 21 years imprisonment for raping a married woman during their robbery operation.
Delivering judgment during virtual court proceedings, the judge found the defendants guilty as charged.
“The prosecution has successfully established that series of robberies took place on August 2, 2015 and that the robbers were armed with guns and other offensive weapons.
“The failure of the state to tender the weapons does not water down the fact that the weapons were actually used.
“I am satisfied with the evidence of the prosecution witnesses (PW), together with the graphic testimony of the PW1. There is no room for any mistaken identity that the defendants were actually those who participated in the armed robbery.
“Also, I find the testimony of PW3 credible and detailed. Penetration, however slight, constitutes an offence of rape.
“PW3 was able to establish that the first defendant (Udoh) raped her. She said that the defendants were not masked; so she was able to identify them.
“The testimony of PW3 was also corroborated by PW2, which is cogent to establish that PW3 was indeed raped.
“Having established the offences of rape and armed robbery, the prosecution has indeed proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt.
“I, therefore, find you Williams Udoh and Ubong Isaiah guilty as charged.
“You shall be hung by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on your souls.
“The first defendant, Udoh, is also sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for the offence of rape. This is the sentence of the court,” Ipaye said.
