JAMES SHEHU ABIRIYI, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Ondo State holden at Akure delivered on 28th May, 2014 convicting the Appellant, Pastor Adeniyi Matthew, Akeem Benjamin and sheriff Ogunleye for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery. Three others were discharged and acquitted.
The Appellant and six others were charged for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and for armed robbery contrary to Sections 5(b) and 1 (2) (b) of the Robbery And Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap 398 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the prosecution, a branch of N.B.M. Bank here in Akure was raided by armed robbers. The bank reported to the police that a sum of N26 million was taken away by the robbers. The robbery incident occurred between the night of 2nd July, 2005 and 3rd July, 2005. The accused persons were arrested during the course of investigation. The police received information that the police in …