The Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin has upheld the death sentences of five men convicted over the 2018 Offa bank robbery in Kwara State, dismissing all appeals filed against their convictions. In a judgment that lasted more than four hours, the appellate court ruled that the appellants acted unlawfully and affirmed the earlier decision of the Kwara State High Court sentencing them to death by hanging.
According to Okay News, the court agreed that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham. The convicts were found guilty of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide arising from the coordinated attacks on five banks in Offa Local Government Area, which claimed at least 32 lives, including police officers. A sixth suspect, a retired police officer, reportedly died in custody before trial commenced.
The appellate court also upheld additional three-year jail terms for illegal possession of firearms. While the convicts retain the right to approach the Supreme Court, prosecutors described the ruling as thorough and decisive, while defence lawyers confirmed plans to pursue a final appeal. The judgment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s efforts to confront violent crimes linked to high-profile bank robberies.
