USMAN ABUBAKAR V. THE STATE

UZO IFEYINWA NDUKWE-ANYANWU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Ondo State, Akure Judicial Division delivered on the 19th November, 2015 by Hon. Justice D. I. Kolawole.

A resume of the facts culminating in this appeal is hereby made as follows: The Appellant, Usman Abubakar and two others namely Francis Yohana and Sunday James were arraigned before the Ondo State High Court, Akure Judicial Division on a two count charge of Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery and Armed Robbery. The said offences being contrary to Section 6 and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms [Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Trial commenced in earnest on 24th April, 2013 with the Appellant and the two other accused persons pleading "Not Guilty" to the charges. The Prosecution fielded 5 out of the 8 witnesses listed in the proof of evidence and tendered exhibits in support of its case. The Appellant opened his d…