3 Men Sentenced For Unlawful Possession Of Firearms & Conspiracy To Commit Armed Robbery

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere on Thursday sentenced three men, James Udom, Nwem Etuk and Kazeem Anifowoshe, to 14 years each in prison for unlawful possession of firearms with intent to commit armed robbery at Kuramo Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

P.M.EXPRESS reports as disclosed by the Director, Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi, who said that the defendants had earlier been arraigned on a two-count charge of unlawful possession of firearms and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, said the trio were sentenced to 14 years imprisonment based on a ‘Plea Bargain’ agreement.

She said the defendants were found in possession of firearms with intent to commit armed robbery at the scene of a crime when they were arrested by the Police, adding that the Prosecution, however, implored the Court to be lenient in sentencing the defendants having pleaded guilty to charges against them.

Adeyemi said, “The Prosecution presented two witnesses and tendered exhibits before the Court, which subsequently confirmed the allegations against James Udom & two ORs”.

Justice Opesanwo, delivering her judgement in the suit no LCD/13/2012 between the State and the defendants, found the trio guilty of the charges which are punishable under sections 403A & 403 (3) of the Criminal Code Law Cap. C 17, Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos State 2003 (the applicable law at the time the offence was committed).