The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin sentenced five men to death by hanging on Thursday for their involvement in the Offa bank robbery.
Those convicted—Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham—were found guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, culpable homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.
Justice Haleema Saliman, who delivered the verdict, stated that the defendants were responsible for the deaths of both police officers and civilians during the April 2018 robbery in Offa. These offenses, she noted, carry the death penalty under the law.
Prosecutor Jacob expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the six-year trial was necessary, as evidence clearly linked the convicts to the crime. He added that the prosecution had successfully proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Nathaniel Emeribe, the lead defense counsel, represented by Abdullahi Jimba, acknowledged the ruling, saying it was expected given the weight of evidence presented but confirmed plans to appeal the decision.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the prime suspect, a police officer named Michael Adikwu, died in custody during the trial. Despite pleas for leniency from the remaining five, they were ultimately sentenced to death.
