The Kwara State High Court has sentenced five suspects to death for their roles in the notorious Offa bank robbery that shook Nigeria in April 2018.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Haleemah Salman, marks the culmination of a lengthy legal process that has spanned over six years.
The five convicted individuals, identified as Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran, were found guilty of several serious crimes, including illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
The robbery occurred on April 5, 2018, when a group of armed robbers stormed five commercial banks in Offa, Kwara State.
The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of over 30 people, including nine police officers who were on duty at the time.
The violent nature of the robbery shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation from various quarters.
In the aftermath of the attack, the then-governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, announced a bounty of N5 million for information leading to the arrest of 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,” the Kwara State Government stated in an official announcement.
The trial of the suspects began on November 11, 2018, and has faced numerous delays, including interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Justice Salman’s ruling, which took over three hours to deliver, emphasized the weight of evidence presented by the prosecution.
She stated that the suspects were guilty of the charges brought against them and outlined the serious nature of their offenses.
On the count of illegal possession of firearms, the judge handed down a prison sentence of three years.
The convicted suspects were charged with various crimes, including criminal conspiracy, murder of police officers, and armed robbery.
Notably, one of the original suspects, Michael Adikwu, died in police custody prior to the verdict.
The Offa robbery is one of the deadliest bank heists in Nigeria’s recent history, illustrating the growing challenges of armed robbery and insecurity in the country.
Public sentiment surrounding the case has been mixed, with many citizens expressing relief at the conviction but also frustration over the lengthy legal process.
A representative of the prosecution expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, acknowledging the delays due to various factors, including national assignments and the pandemic.
“This judgement is a significant step toward justice for the families affected by this tragedy,” the prosecutor stated.
In response to the verdict, the defense counsel announced plans to appeal the decision, signaling that the legal battle is far from over.
The representative of the defense emphasized the right to contest the ruling, suggesting that they would seek to overturn the court’s findings.
“This judgement will be appealed soon,” the defense counsel confirmed.
As the case continues to draw attention, many in Kwara State and beyond are keenly observing how the appeal process will unfold.
The impact of the Offa robbery was felt not only in Kwara State but across Nigeria.
