Six years after the gruesome Offa bank robbery that claimed 32 lives, including nine police officers, five suspects have been sentenced to death by hanging.
Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin delivered the verdict on Thursday, convicting Ayo Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran. The men were found guilty of armed robbery and culpable homicide for their involvement in the deadly attack that shook Offa, Kwara State, on April 5, 2018.
The robbery involved multiple banks and led to widespread fear and tragedy in the community. The lead robber, a former policeman named Michael Adikwu, had died in custody, leaving the five remaining suspects to face trial.
Justice Salman noted that the defendants acted without remorse, conspiring to rob and murder innocent citizens. In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed a three-year prison term for illegal possession of firearms.
The prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacob, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, calling it a thorough and just outcome. Meanwhile, the defense has indicated plans to appeal the ruling.
This landmark decision brings an end to a prolonged legal battle that captured national attention and serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent crime.
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