- Safiu Kehinde
A judge of the Kwara state High Court on Thursday sentenced five suspects held in connection with an Ofa bank robbery to death.
NPO Reports that the robbery took place on April 5, 2018 leading to the killing of over 30 persons including banks officials, customers and bystanders.
Justice Haleemah Salman said the Offences for which the five suspects were held were punishable by death.
The convicted individuals include Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham.
The sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, died in custody before the trial commenced.
The convicts faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and armed robbery.
Delivering her judgment, which spanned over four hours, Justice Salman found the accused guilty of robbing and killing innocent citizens.
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.