Appeal court confirms death sentences for Offa bank robbers
Five men convicted for the Offa bank robbery have had their death sentences upheld by the Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State. The appellate court dismissed their appeals and affirmed the judgement of the Kwara State High Court. The convicts were found guilty of armed robbery, culpable homicide, and illegal possession of firearms after attacks on five banks in Offa. Their legal team has indicated plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
What happened
- The Court of Appeal in Ilorin dismissed the appeals of Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayoade Akinnibosun, and Adeola Abraham.
- The court upheld the death sentences handed down by Justice Haleemah Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court.
- The convictions stemmed from coordinated attacks on five banks in Offa, where at least 32 people, including nine police officers, were killed.
- The convicts also received three years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms.
- Defence counsel Abdullah Jimba stated that preparations are underway for a final appeal to the Supreme Court.
