Nigerian Appeal Court Upholds Death Sentences for Offa Bank Robbery Convicts

The Nigerian Appeal Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, upheld the death sentences of five men convicted for the 2018 Offa bank robbery. The convicts, Ayodele Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham, were involved in the coordinated bank robbery in Offa, Kwara State, where at least 32 people, including nine police officers, were killed.

The sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, died in custody before the trial. The prosecution successfully proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the affirmation of the death sentences.

The convicts have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court. The trial, which began in April 2018, lasted for six years and garnered nationwide attention.

The prosecution was led by Rotimi Jacob SAN, who described the Appeal Court's decision as thorough and well-considered.