Appeal Court Upholds Death Sentences for Five Offa Bank Robbery Convicts

Global Mirror News gathered that the Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday affirmed the death sentences imposed on five men convicted for their roles in the deadly 2018 Offa bank robbery.

The Appellate Court dismissed the appeals filed by the convicts, ruling that they lacked merit and upholding the judgement earlier delivered by the Kwara State High Court.

Confirming the decision, the Kwara State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. Mohammed Akande, disclosed that the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal unanimously agreed to sustain the verdict of the trial court.

According to Akande, the panel—comprising Hon. Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi (JCA), Hon. Justice Gabriel Kolawole (JCA), and Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo (JCA)—affirmed the judgement of Hon. Justice H. A. Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced the appellants to death by hanging.

Those convicted are Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayoade Akinnibosun, and Adeola Adeola Abraham. They were found guilty of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide in connection with the coordinated attacks on commercial banks in Offa Local Government Area in April 2018.

“The Court of Appeal dismissed all the grounds of appeal and upheld their convictions. They have been ordered to be returned to prison custody,” Akande said.

While noting that the convicts still have the option of approaching the Supreme Court, the DPP expressed doubt about the prospects of success at the apex court, stating that the arguments canvassed at the Court of Appeal were unconvincing.

The 2018 Offa robbery shocked the Nation, as gunmen simultaneously attacked five commercial banks, leading to widespread destruction and loss of lives. At least 32 people were killed during the incident, including nine Police Officers—two of whom were female.

A sixth suspect in the case, Michael Adikwu, a retired Police Officer, reportedly died in custody before the commencement of trial.

The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on violent crimes and underscores the determination of the Nigerian justice system to hold perpetrators accountable for offences that threaten public safety and national security.