During a High Court sitting in Akure the state capital of Ondo, Samson Kajopelaye has been sentenced to a life imprisonment for his involvement in the abduction of one Alhaji Adeyinka Yusuf.
The suspect was arrested along with one Abimbola Osinyemi, by the men of the state police command, Ore Division, over the kidnap of the victim.
The pair were arraigned on a three-count which included conspiracy to commit a felony, aiding and abetting kidnapping.
They had pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the counts preferred against them when it was read to them.
However, the victim, who testified in court, stated that he was on his way back home from work when Samson and some other armed persons, abducted him. Many of the suspects appear to be still at large.
He swore that he was saved by his neighbors who blocked the road, stopping the would be ‘kidnappers’ from hauling him off. He said the matter was later reported at the Ore police station.
The court admitted some exhibits which included two cartridges, Honda Accord car and the statements of the accused persons and that of the complainant.
In his judgment, the judge, Justice O. A Odusola, with the graphic narration of the complainant, it has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that the first defendant had aided, facilitated and encouraged the kidnap by making his car available for the dastardly act.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment. He, however, ruled that there was not enough evidence to convict the second accused person and discharged and acquitted him.