Offa Robbery: Kwara Court Sentences Five Suspects To Death After Six Years

On Thursday, Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court adjudicated that the five individuals implicated in the Offa robbery incidents are guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.

The judge indicated that these offenses carry a death penalty. The events in question transpired in April 2018.

In a judgment that extended over three and a half hours, the judge affirmed that all evidence presented by the prosecution substantiated their guilt.

Regarding the illegal possession of firearms, the court imposed a sentence of three years’ imprisonment.

The individuals convicted are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran. It is noteworthy that one suspect, Michael Adikwu, passed away while in custody.

In a briefing to the media, the prosecution counsel explained that various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and national duties assigned to the judge, contributed to the protracted proceedings, and expressed gratitude to the court for its ruling.

Conversely, a representative of the defense counsel indicated that an appeal against the judgment would be forthcoming.

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In July, the court had postponed its decision in the case.

The ruling delivered on Thursday occurred six years after a group of robbers invaded Offa in Kwara State, targeting at least five commercial banks in the area.

The robbery resulted in the deaths of over 30 individuals, including police officers, and a significant but undisclosed sum of money was stolen from the banks. This incident captured national attention and dominated headlines for an extended period.

Following the robbery, former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed announced a bounty of N5 million for information leading to the suspects’ capture.

“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.