Five convicted in Offa Bank robbery sentenced to death by hanging

Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin sentenced five suspects to death by hanging on Thursday for their involvement in the infamous Offa bank armed robbery.

The brutal robbery occurred on April 5, 2018, in Offa, where 32 individuals, including nine police officers, lost their lives.

The court determined that the convicts were responsible for the robbery and the deaths of innocent citizens during this violent attack.

Originally scheduled for August 2, 2024, the judgment was postponed due to nationwide protests.

Six suspects were apprehended in connection with the robbery, including Michael Adikwu (now deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham. Reports indicated that Adikwu, the gang leader, died while in police custody, while the remaining five pleaded not guilty.

All five suspects were present in court for the ruling. Rotimi Jacob served as the lead prosecutor, while Nathaniel Emeribe, the lead defense counsel, was absent and represented by A. S. Abdullahi.

In her ruling, Justice Salman found Ayo Akinibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran guilty of culpable homicide, armed robbery, and related charges, ordering that they be hanged until death.