Six years after the infamous Offa bank robbery, Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, has sentenced five suspects to death by hanging.
The robbery, which occurred on April 5, 2018, claimed the lives of 32 individuals, including nine policemen, in Offa, Kwara State.
The convicted suspects – Ayo Akinibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran – were found guilty of culpable homicide, armed robbery, and other offenses.
Justice Salman ordered that they be hanged by the neck until they breathe no more.
Initially, six suspects were arrested, including Michael Adikwu, a policeman who died in custody.
The remaining five pleaded not guilty but were present in court for the judgment.
Justice Salman criticized the convicts for misusing their connections with government officials, leading to their astray. T
he prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob, praised the judge for her thoroughness despite the case’s prolongation.
The defense counsel, however, stated that the judgment was expected, and they are preparing for an appeal. This verdict brings some closure to the families of the victims, but the appeal process may prolong the final outcome.
