The Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced two men, Folorunsho Oladeji and Dimeji Thomas, to 14 years imprisonment each for attempted armed robbery.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe convicted and sentenced them on a one- count- charge after they pleaded guilty to an amended two-count charge brought against them by the Lagos state government.
Oladeji and Thomas were initially arraigned for attempting to rob a man identified as Yusuf at gunpoint in Jakande Estate, Lekki, Lagos. The duo had tried to steal his Toyota Corolla, mobile phone, and cash.
Later the same night, at about 2:45 a.m., they also attempted to rob another resident, Hemas Udom, in the same area.
During the trial proceedings, both victims testified that the assailants were armed with gun and a knife. They explained how the robbers managed to snatch the vehicle but fled upon police arrival, abandoning the car while escaping with the key.
Initially, they pleaded not guilty; the defendants later approached the prosecution for a plea bargain and were re-arraigned on a reduced charge of attempted robbery. When asked by Justice Abike-Fadipe whether they were coerced into changing their plea, both men confirmed they acted voluntarily.
The court convicted them accordingly and sentenced each to 14 years in prison.