Five individuals involved in the 2018 Offa bank robbery have been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide. The ruling was delivered by Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court, who noted that the crimes were punishable by death under Nigerian law.
The robbery, which took place at five banks in Offa Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of 32 people, including nine police officers—two of whom were women.
The convicted individuals include Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham. A sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, died in custody before the trial began.
Justice Salman handed down the death sentences after a six-year trial, during which the convicts faced multiple charges, including conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery. The judge found the defendants guilty of robbing and killing innocent civilians, delivering her judgment in a session that lasted over four hours.
In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed a three-year prison term for illegal possession of firearms in accordance with Nigeria’s penal code.
Justice Salman remarked, “The convicts acted outside the law and were led astray by their connections with those in power at the time.”
Lead prosecutor, Barrister Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), expressed satisfaction with the verdict, praising the judge for her thorough approach despite challenges during the trial. The defense counsel, Barrister Abdullah Jimba, representing Mr. Mathias Emeribe, acknowledged that the outcome was expected and noted that his client was preparing to appeal the decision.
