A high court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has sentenced five men to death by hanging for their roles in the Offa bank robbery that occurred in April 2018.
The convicted individuals—Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham—were found guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, culpable homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.
Justice Haleema Saliman noted that their actions resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including police officers and civilians, making the offenses punishable by death.
Lead prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacob (SAN) stated that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He expressed that the six years spent on the case were justified, given the clear evidence linking the convicts to the robbery and killings.
Defending counsel Nathaniel Emeribe, represented by Abdullahi Jimba, remarked that the judgment was anticipated based on the evidence presented. However, he indicated that there would be an appeal, referencing the case of AG Oyo State v. Bello, and plans to compile the necessary records for the Court of Appeal.
Notably, the prime suspect, a policeman named Michael Adikwu, died in custody during the trial. The remaining five defendants pleaded for mercy but were ultimately convicted.
