BREAKING: Court sentences Offa robbery suspects to death

Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court has convicted five suspects involved in the notorious Offa robbery incident, finding them guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.

The court ruled that these crimes, which occurred in April 2018, are punishable by death.

News360 Nigeria recalls that six suspects, a policeman, Michael Adikwu (deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham were arrested in connection with the bloody armed robbery incident.

Ayoade Akinnibosun and four others are currently standing trial in the case which began on November 11, 2018.

On April 5, 2018, some suspected armed robbers attacked five commercial banks in the ancient Offa town in the Offa local government area of Kwara State, killing over 30 persons in the process, including nine policemen.

The five suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham and two others were charged to court by the police for criminal conspiracy to rob the banks, murder of nine policemen and other citizens, and illegal possession of firearms.

Michael Adikwu died in police custody, while the remaining five pleaded not guilty.

This ruling marks a significant step in the long-standing legal process related to one of Nigeria’s most infamous robberies.

More to come.