An Ondo State High Court has sentenced three persons to death by hanging for kidnapping three reverend sisters at Onipetesi area along Ore-Lagos highway.
The court had heard that the suspects collected a ransom of N1 million for the release of their victims after 11 days of holding them hostage. The clerics were kidnapped in 2016.
Seven persons including a couple were initially arraigned for the offence.
According to court papers, their names are Reuben Akinbehinje (a.k.a Chairman), Saheed Oyewo (a.k.a Olaoluwa), Seun Lajuwomi (a.k.a Ebile), Abimbola Akinbehinje, John Imoleayo Uche (a.k.a Uchenna), Seun Iseoluwa Akintan (a.k.a Egbegbe) and Lateef Fayemi Hammed.
They were arraigned on eight counts of conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, aiding and abetting kidnapping and accessory.
An official of the Department of State Services Johnson Siunu told the court that the suspects were tracked and arrested through the phone number they used to negotiate and monitor the delivery of ransom payment.
Mr Oyewo however died in prison while Abimbola Akinbehinje, wife of Reuben, who was charged with being an accessory was fined N50, 000.
Justice Ademola Adegoroye discharged and acquitted Messrs Akintan and Hammed while others were convicted of all the charges.
