Justice Aishat Opesanwo of 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 area of Lagos State.

Hon. Justice Opesanwo delivered judgement on 1st April, 2021 in suit no LCD/13/2012 between the State of Lagos vs James Udom & 2 ors.

The defendants were earlier arraigned by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice on a two-count charge of Unlawful possession of firearms and Conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

According to the Director, Public Prosecutions, Adeyemi Olayinka 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 the crime when arrested by the Police.

Olayinka added, that, the prosecution prayed the court to sentence the defendants having pleaded guilty to charges against them.

In her words, ” The Prosecution presented 2 witnesses and tendered exhibits before the Court, which subsequently confirmed the allegations levied against James Udom & 2ors”.

Justice Opesanwo, however, found the trio guilty of the charges which are purnishable 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).

This was made known in a release by Director, Public Affairs, Kayode Oyekanmi.