An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has handed down a life sentence to four men for the kidnap of Madam Florence Popoola, a 75-year-old woman, in Ikere Ekiti.
The convicted individuals—Adeoye Sunday, Adewusi Dare, Bamigboye Damilola, and Ogunlayi Seun—were also sentenced to five years each for conspiracy. The fifth defendant, Ojo Tope, was acquitted of all charges.
The harrowing case dates back to September 14, 2017, when the defendants abducted Madam Popoola from her home and held her captive deep in the forest between Eyio and Awo-Ekiti for four agonizing days. Her release came only after a staggering N1.5 million ransom was paid.
Charged with a range of serious offenses—including armed robbery and conspiracy—the defendants maintained their innocence through their lawyers, Chris Omokhafe and Sunday Ochai, but chose not to call additional witnesses to support their claims.
Judge Lekan Ogunmoye delivered the verdict, stating that the prosecution had convincingly established the charges of conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping against the four defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.
Consequently, they were sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping, along with five years for conspiracy to kidnap, while being acquitted of armed robbery charges.
Meanwhile, Ojo Tope walked free, having been discharged of all allegations.
