Ex-SARS Official To Die By Hanging For Killing Businessman

A High Court sitting in Benin has sentenced a dismissed constable, Joseph Omotosho, to death by hanging. Omotosho was attached to the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Edo State Police Command.

Also, four others who escaped in the twin jailbreak during the #EndSARS Protest in October last year, had their sentences suspended. The four included Adeleke Adedeji, Abena John, Oniyo Musa and Henry Shobowale.

They were accused of conspiracy in the extrajudicial killing of a car dealer, Benson Obodeh, in 2015 and were found guilty on eight counts charges bordering on conspiracy to steal and murder.

Omotosho also withdrew from the deceased’s account, a sum of ₦330,000 through Automated Teller Machines (ATM) after obtaining the PIN number of the Obodeh before he was killed.

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Describing the testimonies provided by the claimant, Justice Ohimai Oybiagele said they were firm and almost unchallenged.

“Therefore, the judgment was based on absolute fact, which the court absorbed as presented by the prosecuting counsel and all witnesses that appeared before the court.” Oybiagele added.

The judge pointed out that the convicts could not substantiate counter evidence against the charges against them.

Omotosho was also sentenced to another seven years’ imprisonment for his role in the stealing of the deceased’s money from his bank accounts.

Obodeh was reported to have been listed among suspected criminal gangs, alleged for stealing a Peugeot car.

Abraham Oviawe, who was the prosecuting counsel, said, “What happened today is a confirmation of the biblical position that says the wages of sin is death. So, when one conspires to take the life of another man, with overwhelming evidence, the court has no option but to reach the verdict it reached.”

However, the counsel for the convicts, Lede Pique, said the judgement would be appealed.