An Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Monday sentenced 25-year-old Gabriel Emmanuel to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Oba Adeniran Benjamin Omotayo, the Eleda of Eda-Ile, in Ekiti East Local Government Area. Emmanuel was charged on March 8, 2023, with a three-count indictment for murder, kidnapping, and extortion with the intent to steal, related to crimes committed in 2020 and 2021.
The charges included: “That Gabriel Emmanuel, alongside others still at large, on September 13, 2020, at Umesi Quarters, Igirigiri Road, Odo-Ado Ekiti, murdered Jejelowo Fesobi David.
“That on June 24, 2020, at Eda-Ile Ekiti, the defendant kidnapped the Eleda of Eda-Ile, Oba Adeniran Benjamin Omotayo.
“That on November 20, 2021, Emmanuel, together with others at large, at Ilumoba Ekiti, demanded N4 million with menace, intending to steal from Barrister Joseph Olorunfemi.”
These offences contravened Sections 319(1) and 316 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, as well as Section 3 of the Ekiti State Kidnap and Terrorism (Prohibition) Law, 2015.
In his statement to the police, Oba Adeniran recalled his kidnapping while on his farm. He explained, “Suddenly, I saw men armed with AK-47 rifles. Before I could react, one of them aimed a gun at me, and I was taken. My wife, who was with me, was released with instructions to find money, or they would kill me.” The monarch was held captive for four days before his family paid a ransom of N1.28 million for his release. During his captivity, the kidnappers used his wife’s phone to contact relatives, and although they wore masks, Oba Adeniran recognized them when they removed their masks to smoke.
Following his release, he reported the incident to the Rapid Response Squad office of the Nigeria Police in Ado Ekiti.
The prosecution, led by Ibironke Odetola, presented testimonies from four witnesses and submitted evidence including the defendant’s statement, the victim’s statement, and phone call logs. However, Emmanuel’s defense, represented by A.G. Anofi, did not present any witnesses.
In his judgment, Justice Adekunle Adeleye said, “The phone call logs align with the testimonies of the complainant’s witnesses, and the content of the defendant’s confessional statement is consistent with the prosecution’s evidence. The defendant made these statements voluntarily. Based on the facts, I find the complainant has proven the charges of kidnapping and extortion with intent to steal. The defendant is guilty as charged.”
The judge sentenced Gabriel Emmanuel to life imprisonment for kidnapping and three years for extortion with intent to steal.