Three to die by hanging in Ondo for kidnapping Reverend Sisters, driver

By JAMES SOWOLE

For kidnapping three Reverend Sisters and a driver  in June 2016 and collection of N1million ransom before releasing them, an Akure High Court, has sentenced three persons to death by hanging.

The convicts, were found guilty of kidnapping the Reverend sisters at Onipetesi area along the Ore-Sagamu Expressway and kept them for 11 days before they were released after collecting ransom.

Seven persons including a couple were initially arraigned for the offence.

They were Reuben Akinbehinje (a.k.a Chairman), Saheed Oyewo (a.k.a Olaoluwa), Seun Lajuwomi (a.k.a Ebile), Abimbola Akinbehinje , John Imoleayo Uche (a.k.a Uchenna), Seun Iseoluwa Akintan (a.k.a Egbegbe) and Lateef Fayemi Hammed.

An eight-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, aiding and abetting kidnapping and accessory after the fact were preferred against them.

They were said to have kidnapped and held their victims hostage for 11 days in the bush until the ransom was paid.

A DSS official who testified during trial, Johnson Siunu, said the kidnappers were tracked and arrested through the phone number they used to negotiate and monitor the delivery of ransom payment.

Saheed however died in prison while Abimbola Akinbehinje, wife of Reuben, who was charged of being an accessory after the fact was fined N50, 000.

In his judgment, Justice Ademola Adegoroye said the prosecution could not produce any evidence against Seun and Lateef Fayemi and therefore discharged them.

Adegoroye found Reuben, Uche and Seun guilty of all the charges and sentenced them to death by hanging.

The judge said the prosecution proved the case of conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping against the three convicts and sentenced them accordingly. (THISDAY)