After Nigerian’s civil war between Biafrans (old Eastern region) and Nigerians in 1967 to 1970. There was so many abnormalities in the country as result poor economy, development, insecurity around the whole country due to the outcome of war that could have been avoided.
However, as of then, there was too many criminalities terrorizing the country, mostly in southern part of Nigeria.
In this article, I’ll write about a notorious armed robber in Lagos state, Babatunde Folorunsho aka Baba oni lace‘ (Mr. Lace), was among the most wanted criminals in Nigeria as of then.
Folorunsho was a very notorious criminal after civil war in Nigeria. He was too difficult for Nigeria police to get during his criminal operations in the region.
He terrorised so many areas in Lagos state, both banks other individual business with his gangs.
Unfortunately, his last operation came to an end in 1971 during his operation to stole a car. He was finally arrested at his robbery operation by the Nigerian police force and he was arraigned to court for charges.
His arrest cause many jubilations in the western states in the country, most especially in Lagos state, where he normally take his criminal operations on the daily basis.
Folorunsho was judged and found guilty after he was charged in court and was confirmed guilty of criminal offence. He was however sentenced to death by firing squad along other criminals, Joseph Ilobo, Williams Alders and others.
Folorunsho and among others was the first in the history of Nigeria to sentence to death in public.
During their death sentence, many of the criminals cried bitterly as they were about to get killed, but Folorunsho, never utter a single word to pleads for any forgiveness, maybe he understands fully well about his sin, so calm to pay his price.
While some others were protesting of their life to spare.sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, Mr Williams Alders Oyazimo, who was accused of criminal act profusely cried bitterly and made several confessions that he was innocent on the execution day. His final pleads and cries touched many souls which many Nigerians believed he might be innocent of the accusation he was condemned.But his plead never stop the execution as the final judgement had already made.
was a according to HiztoryBox; cried bitterly as he said, “if you search your conscience, you will know that a naval officer of my status will never go in the dead of the night to steal. I’ll die today, innocent of the crime for which I am condemned.”
On the D-day, many Nigerians at gathered at
Bar Beach in Lagos where the execution took place to witness the final end of Babatunde Folorunsho, Joseph Ilobo and Williams Alders. That was the first time such open execution was to happen in the country, which was on 24th July, 1971.
At the stake of their execution Mr Babatunde Folorunsho aka ‘Baba oni lace‘ was on lace dress. While Mr Joseph Ilobo protested till his last moment, on the look at the crowd, he said, “are all these people here to see me die? Ah! This is a wicked world. I have not committed any crime.”
While the other criminal, Mr Williams Alders Oyazimo who was a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, according to HiztoryBox; cried bitterly as he said, “if you search your conscience, you will know that a naval officer of my status will never go in the dead of the night to steal. I’ll die today, innocent of the crime for which I am condemned.”
Col. Pedro Martins who was the Military chaplain approached them at where they tired, ready for execution adviced them to pray for forgiveness, Oyazimo shouted in a deep sorrow with tears, said; “Father, I am innocent. My blood will cleanse my family and my children will prosper.” His last words touched many Nigerians who came to witness their death, some even cried for them before they were all fired to death. According to HiztoryBox
