An Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, the state capital on Thursday sentenced seven persons to death over the killing of a businessman, Banji Adafin.
The businessman who was based in the United States of America was killed while on holiday in Akure on July 4, 2017, at No 5 Temidire Street, Akure.
The Punch gathered that, apart from killing the businessman, the convicts were also said to have stolen valuable items at the residence of the deceased. Some of the items stolen included iPads, phones, television sets, laptops, and an unspecified amount of money.
The charges preferred against the convicts included conspiracy to commit armed robbery contrary to and punishable under section 6(b) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provision) Act cap R11 Volume 14 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The convicts to die by hanging and firing squad included Jimoh Sodiq, (a.k.a Akamo), Blessing Ogunlade, Yomi Balogun (a.k.a Regal), Akeem Adedayo, Oso John Omoniyi (a.k.a Bosco) and Sodiq Babatunde.
The eighth convicted person is Damilola Samuel (a.k.a Mama), who is a girlfriend to one of the other convicts bagged one-year jail term.
In his ruling, the judge, Justice Ademola Bola, said the convicts were guilty of the offences they were charged with.
The judge also found them culpable of illegal dealing in arms and ammunition contrary to section 9 and punishable under sections 271(1)(b) of the Firearms Act, Cap F26 laws of the federation.
