By Huldah Shado
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced two graduates to a combined 30 years in prison for kidnapping a student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The convicts, Ojo Babajide (31) and Olajide Nathaniel (35), were each handed a 15-year jail term-10 years for kidnapping and five years for conspiracy. Justice Adeniyi Familoni ordered that the sentences run concurrently, effective from May 21, 2025.
The duo committed the crime on March 23, 2022, shortly after completing their university education.
They were arraigned on July 19, 2022, on two counts of conspiracy and kidnapping.
According to the charge, “The defendants (now convicts), on March 23, 2022, at Oye Ekiti, did conspire to kidnap one Atana Emmanuel.” The offences contravened Sections 279 and 280 of the Ekiti State Criminal Law, 2021.
Testifying, the victim, a student and hair salon operator, told the police: “I was in a shop around 7 p.m. when the defendants approached me and ordered me into a waiting car. I initially refused, but I was forced to do their bidding.”
Prosecution counsel Kunle-Shina Adeyemo called one witness and tendered key evidence, including statements from the victim and the convicts, as well as a release bond.
The defence lawyer, Akinola Abon, called three witnesses and pleaded for leniency, noting the convicts were awaiting their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), posting.
In his ruling, Justice Familoni found them guilty and condemned the persistence of kidnapping in the state.
“Despite all efforts to curb this menace, kidnapping continues. The defendants knowingly participated in this criminal activity and deserve more than a slap on the wrist,” he said.
He declared: “Consequently, they are both sentenced to five years imprisonment for conspiracy and 10 years imprisonment each for kidnapping without an option of fine.”
