Lagos Court Jails Two Men For 21 Years Over Maza Maza Motor Park Armed Robbery

A Lagos State High Court situated at Tafawa Balewa Square has imposed a 21-year prison sentence on two individuals, Emmanuel Victor and Wisdom Ikechukwu, following their involvement in an armed robbery targeting commuters at the Maza Maza motor park.

Presiding Judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, delivered the ruling on Tuesday, convicting the pair on three of four charges brought against them by the Lagos State Government — conspiracy, armed robbery, and theft.

The prosecution detailed that the robbery occurred on January 8, 2022, around 4:30 a.m., when the two men, armed with cutlasses, ambushed three passengers who were waiting to board a vehicle at the park. Personal items, including an iPhone 7, Infinix Hot 10, Samsung S8, and ₦5,000 cash, were forcibly taken from a victim identified only as Benjamin.

The suspects were arraigned on April 21, 2022, and their trial officially began on November 18, 2023. Final written arguments from both sides concluded by early 2025, leading to the final judgment.

Citing Sections 135, 297, and 299 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, Justice Adesanya noted that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“The guilt of an accused may be established through witness testimony, circumstantial evidence, and voluntary confessional statements,” she remarked.

A police officer from the Festac Division, serving as a lead witness, confirmed that the accused were members of a notorious robbery gang that had been terrorizing commuters in the Maza Maza axis. During the investigation, both Emmanuel and Wisdom admitted to using cutlasses during the attack — confessions described by the judge as clear and voluntary.

Another eyewitness, a commercial driver, who reported the attack shortly after it occurred, provided an account consistent with those of other victims. This led to a swift police response and the suspects’ arrest. Stolen items were recovered, matched to their rightful owners, and returned after proper verification and documentation.

Delivering judgment, Justice Adesanya declared:

“The two defendants are hereby found guilty of the charges of conspiracy and robbery. These offenses carry a minimum sentence of 21 years imprisonment.”

Prior to sentencing, defence lawyers Mrs. Ogbosa Apata and Mr. B.C. Akunna pleaded for leniency, highlighting the defendants’ youth and their potential for reform. Akunna, representing Ikechukwu, emphasized that his client was a first-time offender who had only just finished secondary school at the time of the crime.

“They have suffered for their crimes and have shown remorse,” he said, requesting the court to temper justice with mercy.

After careful consideration, Justice Adesanya ruled:

“The first and second convicts are sentenced to 21 years imprisonment each for counts one, two, and four. They are acquitted of count three. The sentences shall commence from the day they were first remanded in custody.”