JUST IN: COURT FINDS OFFA ROBBERY SUSPECTS GUILTY, SENTENCES THEM TO DEATH
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Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court found the five suspects in the Offa robbery episodes guilty of unlawful firearm possession, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
The judge ruled that the crimes are capital. The incident occurred in April 2018.
The judge delivered the three-and-a-half-hour verdict, stating that all evidence presented by the prosecuting team proved them guilty.
The decision for firearm possession imposed a three-year prison sentence.
Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran have been convicted. While there were six, one of the suspects, Michael Adikwu, died in detention.
Briefing journalists, the prosecution counsel cited a variety of circumstances, including the COVID-19 period and the judge’s national assignment, for the lengthy procedure and praised the court for its decision.
However, the defence counsel’s spokesperson stated that the judgement would be appealed quickly.
In July, the court reserved ruling on the matter.
Six years ago, thieves attacked Offa, Kwara State, robbing at least five commercial banks.
Over 30 people, including police officers, were killed in the robbery. An undetermined quantity of money was also taken from the banks. The heist shocked the nation and dominated headlines for months.
In the wake of the robbery, a former governor of Kwara State Abdulfatah Ahmed placed a N5 million bounty on the suspects.
“The governor is offering N5 million bounty to anyone who provides information leading to the apprehension and prosecution of those suspected to be involved in this act.
“Anybody who can provide information which can lead to the apprehension and arrest and prosecution of these people will be given N5 million,” the Kwara State Government said in a statement.
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