MICHAEL ORI V. THE STATE

IDRIS, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division, delivered on the 10th day of March, 2020, in Appeal No. CA/OW/188c/2015. Coram: Ayobode Olujimi Lokulo-Sodipe, JCA; Ita George Mbaba, JCA; and Ibrahim Ali Andenyangtso, JCA, wherein the court below dismissed the appellant’s appeal filed against the decision of the Owerri Judicial Division of the High Court of Justice, Imo State, per A. O. H. Ukachukwu, J., delivered on the 20th day of June, 2005, wherein the trial court convicted the appellant along with 3 others for the offense of armed robbery and consequently sentenced them to death.

The appellant, along with three others, was charged in Charge No. HOW/ART/21/99 for the following offense:

Statement of Offense

Armed robbery contrary to section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap 398, Vol. XXII, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

Particulars of Offence

John Okorie Sam…