CONSEQUENT upon the murder of the former Vice Chancellor (VC) of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Prof. Albert Ilemobade, seven months ago, two of his domestic workers have been sentenced to death by an Akure High Court.

The two persons, Daniel Effiong, the deceased security night-guard and Bamitale Olayemi, the driver, are condemned to die by hanging for gruesomely murdering the 79-year-old professor in cold blood.

Their case was presided over yesterday by Justice William Olamide, who tried them since they were arrested last year, pronouncing the duo guilty of conspiracy to murder, murder and robbery.

The convicts were charged with conspiracy, robbery and murder by strangling the 79-year-old deceased to death at his residence in Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State on June 21, 2015.

The offence, according to prosecution, was contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The prosecution team, led by the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs. Adejoke Adeyemi-Tuki, called four witnesses and tendered several exhibits during the prosecution.

Justice Olamide, in his ruling, affirmed that the prosecution was able to establish and prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt and to the satisfaction of the court.

According to him: “The accused persons were callous, wicked and inconsiderate when they decided to slew out life of an elderly person over his property. Against this backdrop, the accused persons do not deserve the sympathy or mercy of this court.

“Law must take its cause and this will serve as a deterrent to other. The accused persons are, hereby, sentenced to death by hanging. May God have mercy on your souls.”