Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court has reserved judgment in the long-running case concerning the April 5, 2018, bank robbery in Offa, a historic town in Offa Local Government Area. The judgment is expected on August 2, 2024, concluding a six-year trial involving six suspects accused of participating in the brutal heist.
On Monday, the presiding judge adopted the final written addresses containing the arguments from both lead counsels in the matter: Rotimi Jacob (SAN) representing the state, and Mathew Emeribe, the defense counsel. During the court session, both the prosecution and defense teams presented their addresses on points of law sequentially. Despite setting August 2, 2024, as the tentative date for the judgment, Justice Salman emphasized that this date is subject to change.
The six suspects involved in this high-profile case include a policeman, Michael Adikwu (deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham. These individuals were apprehended in connection with the armed robbery that shocked the nation due to its brutality and the high number of casualties. Michael Adikwu, who was initially part of the suspects, died while in police custody. The trial, which began on November 11, 2018, has primarily focused on Ayoade Akinnibosun and the other four suspects.
The incident in question occurred on April 5, 2018, when armed robbers attacked five commercial banks in Offa. This coordinated assault led to the tragic loss of over 30 lives, including nine policemen, making it one of the deadliest bank robberies in Nigeria’s recent history. The aftermath of the robbery left the community in mourning and the nation in shock, prompting a swift response from law enforcement agencies.
Following their arrest, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, and two other suspects were charged with multiple serious offenses, including criminal conspiracy to rob the banks, the murder of nine policemen and other citizens, and the illegal possession of firearms. Despite the gravity of the charges, the five remaining suspects have consistently pleaded not guilty throughout the trial.
The trial has been marked by numerous legal maneuvers, testimonies, and the presentation of evidence, with both the prosecution and defense rigorously arguing their cases. The prosecution has sought to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused were directly involved in the planning and execution of the robbery, while the defense has aimed to challenge the validity and sufficiency of the evidence presented against their clients.
As the court awaits the final judgment, the case continues to draw significant attention from the public and media. The Offa robbery case has not only highlighted issues related to security and law enforcement but also the broader societal impacts of violent crime. For the families of the victims, the impending judgment represents a crucial moment in their quest for justice and closure.
Justice Salman’s forthcoming decision will be pivotal, determining the legal fates of the accused and potentially setting precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future. The Offa community, and indeed the entire nation, will be watching closely as the judiciary delivers its verdict on one of the most notorious criminal cases in recent memory.
