The convicts
A Kwara State High Court on Thursday sentenced to death by hanging five men who were involved in an armed robbery incident, which took place at five banks in Offa, Kwara State, in 2018.
No fewer than 32 people, including nine policemen and eight civilians, were killed during the daredevil robbery operation.
The convicts are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran.
Michael Adikwu, the sixth suspect, who was a retired police officer, died in custody before the trial began.
Delivering judgement, Justice Haleemah Salman, held that their offences were punishable by death, as they were found guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
According to her, the court was convinced beyond reasonable doubt based on incontrovertible evidences before it that the convicts robbed and killed innocent citizens during the bloody bank robbery incident.
“The convicts acted contrary to the law and allowed their connections with those in power at the time to lead them astray,” she said.
