Nigerian Court Upholds Death Sentences for Offa Robbery Convicts

The Court of Appeal in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, upheld the death sentences of five men involved in the 2018 Offa bank robbery. The convicted individuals, Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayodele Akinnibosun, and Adeola Abraham, were found guilty of armed robbery, culpable homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.

The appeal court, led by Justices Ridwan Maiwada, Abdullahi Gabriel Kolawole, and Abdul Dogo, unanimously affirmed the judgment of the Kwara State High Court. The court dismissed the grounds of appeal and ordered the convicts back to prison.

The trial, which lasted six years, attracted national attention, with the sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, dying in custody. The prosecution successfully proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the affirmation of the death sentences.

The defense counsel plans to file a final appeal to the Supreme Court.