CaseLaw
Sunkanmi Adebesin V. State (2014) CLR 4(a) SC.
Judgement delivered on April 11th 2014
Brief
Facts
The accused/appellant was arraigned for the offence of attempted robbery contrary to the provisions of Section 2(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 1990 before the High Court of Ogun State.
It was alleged by the respondent/prosecution that the appellant came into the video rental shop in the saje maternity neighbourhood with a toy gun and mask assaulting the sales boy in an attempt to rob him.
Contrary to the allegation leveled against the appellant, he denied the charge of attempted robbery while claiming his statement was made under duress; he argued that he was at the said shop without wearing a mask to recover the sum of N250.00 he had earlier paid and was insulted by the sales boy (PW1). He admitted slapping the sales boy which led to a fight between them and further attracted PW2 and PW3 respectively who joined PW1 in beating him.
The appellant was found guilty as charged and was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the trial judge.
Dissatisfied with the judgment of the trial court, the appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and consequently set aside his early conviction to attempted armed robbery and fourteen years imprisonment.
The appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.
Issues
Whether in dealing with the appellant's appeal, the learned justices of the Court...