Five people have been convicted in the Offa robbery case and are facing charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.
Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court ruled that these charges are punishable by death. The robbery happened in 2018 and affected five banks in Offa Local Government Area and 32 people died, including 9 police officers, 2 of whom were women.
The convicts are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham. A sixth person, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, died in custody before the trial began.
After six years of trial that was very public, Justice Salman sentenced the five to death. They were found guilty on five counts – conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms and armed robbery.
In her four hour judgment, Justice Salman condemned the defendants for the brutal robbery and killing. She sentenced them to death by hanging for the heinous act and also three years imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms as provided for in the Nigeria’s penal code.
In her submission, Justice Salman said “The convicts disobeyed the law and allowed their association with those in power to mislead them.”
Lead counsel Barrister Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) is satisfied with the judgment, commending the judge for her dedication throughout the trial which was marred by distractions and adjournments. Defence counsel Barrister Abdullah Jimba who represented Mr. Mathias Emeribe said the verdict was expected and that his client will be filing an appeal.
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