In a recent judgment, the Osun State High Court sitting in Ede has sentenced two friends, Oluwashina Wakeel and Yusuf Adewale, to seven years imprisonment for conspiracy and assaulting a road user, AbdulSalam Oyewale.
The convicts were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, attempted murder, and assault occasioning harm. Despite pleading not guilty, the prosecution presented a strong case, calling four witnesses to testify against the defendants. Wakeel and Adewale, however, chose to testify in their own defense without calling any witnesses.
According to the certified true copy of the judgment delivered by Justice Kudirat Akano, the attack occurred on September 19, 2022, along Ibode Poly Road, Ede. Oyewale, the victim, recounted how he was riding a motorcycle with Usman Abdulbasit when a black Toyota Corolla overtook and blocked their path.
One of the defendants allegedly alighted from the vehicle, seized Oyewale’s motorcycle key, and began assaulting him. The situation escalated as others in the car joined in, beating Oyewale and inserting a stick into his right eye, causing severe damage.
The prosecution team, led by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Osun State Ministry of Justice, Morufat Bello, presented nine exhibits to establish their case. These exhibits likely played a crucial role in securing the conviction of the two defendants.
In a plea for leniency, counsel to the convicts, Ayodele Laogun, argued that his clients were first-time offenders with families and dependents. Despite this, the court ultimately decided on a seven-year prison sentence for the duo.
This judgment serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent behavior and the importance of upholding the law. The Osun State High Court’s decision demonstrates its commitment to justice and protecting the rights of citizens.
The case highlights the need for road users to be aware of their surroundings and to report any incidents of violence or harassment to the authorities. It also underscores the importance of seeking justice through the proper channels, rather than resorting to vigilantism.
