Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court has adjudicated the five individuals implicated in the Offa robbery incidents as 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 delivering a judgment that spanned 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 cited various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and national duties assigned to the judge, as contributing to the protracted proceedings, and expressed gratitude to the court for its ruling.
Conversely, the defense counsel representative indicated that an appeal against the judgment would be forthcoming.
In July, the court had postponed its ruling in this matter.
The judgment delivered on Thursday occurred six years after a group of robbers attacked 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 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 arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
“The governor is offering N5 million to anyone who provides information that leads to the apprehension and prosecution of those believed to be involved in this crime,” stated the Kwara State Government in an official announcement.
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