The five suspects involved in the Offa bank robbery incidents have been found guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court, in her ruling held that the five defendants were found guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, culpable homicide and illegal possession of fire arms.
Prompt News recalls that the bank robbery incident happened in April, 2018, during which over 30 people were killed.
The court convicted Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham.
Saliman said that the defendants caused the death of people, including a police officers and civilians during the armed robbery in Offa, on April, 2018, which is punishable by death.
Earlier, the lead prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacob (SAN) said that the prosecution was able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt and the judgement was done accordingly.
Jacob said that the six year spent on the case was worth it, as evidence clearly showed that the convicts were involved in the robbery and killings.
He said that the trials had been concluded and the prosecutors had proved their case beyond reasonable doubt for the suspects to be convicted.
The lead defence counsel, Nathaniel Emeribe, represented by Abdullahi Jimba said that the judgment was not surprising, considering the evidence presented in court, it had been envisaged that it would end that way.
He, however, said that in line with the case of AG Oyo state with Bello, there would definitely be an appeal and record would be compiled and moved to the court of appeal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prime suspect, a policeman, Michael Adikwu died in police custody during the trial while the remaining five pleaded for mercy but were convicted.
READ ALSO:
- Ondo governorship election: INEC replaces LP candidate
- CBN to penalise DMBs aiding, abetting Naira hawking
- First lady Tinubu inaugurates upgraded Ebonyi airport runway
- SWC removes C’River PDP chairman
- Sanwo-Olu applauds MTN Foundation for 20 years of operation
