Justice Haleemeh Salman of the Kwara state high court has found Five individuals involved in the Offa robbery incidents guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
Justice Salman stated that the offences are punishable by death.
No less than thirty-two persons were killed in the event that took place at five banks in the Offa Local Government Area in 2018. Among them were nine police officers, two of whom were female.
Azeez Salahudeen, Adeola Abraham, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Ayoade Akinnibosun are among the culprits .
Before the trial started, retired police officer Michael Adikwu, the sixth suspect, passed away in custody.
Judge Haleemah Salman, who was presiding over the case, sentenced the five convicted to death following a well publicized six-year trial.
A five-count indictment against the convicted individuals included conspiracy, culpable murder, unlawful firearm possession, and armed robbery.
Delivering her judgment, which spanned over four hours, Justice Salman found the accused guilty of robbing and killing innocent citizens.
She sentenced them to death by hanging for their roles in the heinous crime.Additionally, the court imposed a three-year prison sentence on the convicts for illegal possession of firearms, in line with Nigeria’s penal code.
In her ruling, Justice Salman remarked, “The convicts acted contrary to the law and allowed their connections with those in power at the time to lead them astray.”
The lead prosecution counsel, Barrister Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), expressed satisfaction with the verdict, commending the judge for her thoroughness despite the numerous distractions that prolonged the trial.
On the other hand, defence counsel Barrister Abdullah Jimba, who represented Mr. Mathias Emeribe, acknowledged that the judgment was expected.
He noted that his principal was already compiling the necessary documents for an appeal.
