A Nigerian court has handed down death sentences to two men convicted of armed robbery and impersonating security personnel during a series of violent attacks in Ondo State. David Friday, a serving police officer, and Innocent Victor, who falsely claimed military affiliation, were found guilty of targeting civilians while dressed in police and army uniforms during nighttime robberies in January 2021.
The Ondo State High Court in Akure heard chilling accounts from multiple victims who described being ambushed, assaulted, and robbed by the duo. Farmer Akinmodun Akinleye testified that the pair, armed with knives and riding a black TVS motorcycle, intercepted him at 1 a.m. on January 15, 2021, stealing ₦6,000 (approximately $14) and forcing him to refuel their bike. His mobile phone, valued at ₦8,500 ($20), later went missing during the encounter.
Security guard Olowogbadegun Lanre recounted witnessing the same men attack a commercial bus driver hours later, beating the victim and stealing ₦5,000. When the driver returned to identify his assailants, Lanre accompanied him to file a police report. Transport worker Adeyeye Sesan provided the most severe testimony, describing how the men assaulted him with sticks and a dagger before stealing ₦125,000 ($300) – his daily earnings.
Prosecutor Ilesanmi Samuel revealed Friday’s position at Olofin Police Station contradicted his criminal actions, while military authorities disavowed Victor’s claimed army service. Both defendants reportedly confessed to the crimes during investigations.
Judge W.R. Olamide emphasized the prosecution’s “clear and compelling evidence” in delivering the death-by-hanging verdict, which addressed charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and impersonation. The case highlights ongoing challenges with criminal elements exploiting security force uniforms in Nigeria, where such attire often instills public trust while enabling illicit activities.
Legal analysts note the sentence reflects Nigeria’s strict penalties for violent crimes, though capital punishment remains contentious globally. The ruling concludes a three-year legal process marked by detailed witness accounts and forensic confirmation of the defendants’ identities through police and military records.
