Court of Appeal Upholds Death Sentences for Five Convicted in 2018 Offa Bank Robbery

The Court of Appeal in Ilorin has affirmed the death sentences of five men convicted over the 2018 Offa bank robbery in Kwara State, rejecting all appeals against their convictions. The ruling, delivered after a four-hour judgment, confirmed that the men acted unlawfully and upheld the earlier decision of the Kwara State High Court to sentence them to death by hanging.

The convicts, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham—were found guilty of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide following coordinated attacks on five banks in Offa Local Government Area. The attacks left at least 32 people dead, including police officers. A sixth suspect, a retired police officer, reportedly died in custody before trial.

In addition to the death sentences, the appellate court upheld three-year jail terms for illegal possession of firearms. While the convicts may still appeal to the Supreme Court, prosecutors described the ruling as thorough and decisive, and defence lawyers confirmed plans to pursue a final appeal.

The judgment is seen as a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat violent crimes associated with high-profile bank robberies.