KEY POINTS
- Five men were found guilty of Offa bank robbery.
- The robbers were sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide.
- The robbery left 32 dead, including nine police officers
Five individuals involved in the 2018 Offa robbery have been convicted of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court ruled that the offences are punishable by death.
Offa bank robbery: crime and consequences
The robbery, which took place at five banks in Offa Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of 32 people, including nine police officers. Two of the officers were women.
Those convicted are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham. A sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, died in custody before the trial began.
Justice delivered: death sentence for convicted robbers
According to Punch, Justice Salman sentenced the five to death by hanging after a six-year trial that drew national attention. The defendants were charged with conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery.
In delivering her judgment, which lasted over four hours, Justice Salman stated that the convicts had robbed and killed innocent citizens. She also sentenced them to three years in prison for illegal possession of firearms, in accordance with Nigeria’s penal code.
Legal reactions and planned appeal
“The convicts acted contrary to the law and allowed their connections with those in power at the time to lead them astray,” Justice Salman said during the ruling.
Lead prosecution counsel, Barrister Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, expressed satisfaction with the verdict and praised the judge for her thoroughness despite numerous delays.
Meanwhile, defense counsel Barrister Abdullah Jimba, representing Mr. Mathias Emeribe, acknowledged that the ruling was expected. He added that his client was already preparing to file an appeal.
