Five individuals involved in the infamous Offa bank robbery of 2018 have been found guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. The verdict was delivered by Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court, who stated that the crimes, which led to the deaths of 32 people, including nine police officers, were punishable by death.
The convicted men—Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham—faced a five-count charge that included conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery. A sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a former police officer, died in custody before the trial commenced.
The robbery, which targeted five banks in Offa Local Government Area, shocked the nation with its brutality. Among the victims were two female police officers, further heightening the tragedy of the incident.
After a prolonged six-year trial that captured widespread public attention, Justice Salman sentenced the five convicts to death by hanging. In her judgment, which spanned over four hours, the judge condemned their involvement in the gruesome crime, stating that they had violated the law and allowed their ties to influential figures to lead them astray.
In addition to the death sentence, the convicts were also handed a three-year prison sentence for illegal possession of firearms, in accordance with Nigeria’s penal code. Justice Salman emphasized that justice had been served, and the convicts must face the full weight of the law for their actions.
Lead prosecution counsel, Barrister Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), praised the judgment, acknowledging the diligence of the court despite numerous challenges that delayed the trial. He expressed confidence that justice had prevailed.
However, defense counsel Barrister Abdullah Jimba, representing Mr. Mathias Emeribe, hinted at an appeal. He noted that the judgment, though anticipated, would be challenged, with documents already being compiled for further legal action.
