Kwara State High Court Reserves Judgment in Six-Year-Old Offa Bank Robbery Case

The Kwara State High Court has reserved judgment in the six-year-old Offa bank robbery case, which left 33 people, including nine policemen, dead. Justice Haleema Salman adjourned the case till August 2, 2024, after adopting the final written addresses presented by the prosecution and defense teams.

The bloody armed robbery incident occurred on April 5, 2018, at five commercial banks in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects, including a policeman, Michael Adikwu (deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham, were arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy to rob the banks, murder of nine policemen and other citizens, and illegal possession of firearms.

The five surviving suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, and two others, have been standing trial since November 11, 2018. Michael Adikwu died in police custody while the remaining five pleaded not guilty.

During the Monday trial, the prosecution and defense teams presented their final written addresses, which were adopted by the presiding judge. However, Justice Salman emphasized that the August 2, 2024 date for judgment is tentative.

The Offa bank robbery case has been a highly publicized and controversial one, with many calling for justice for the victims and their families. The outcome of the case is eagerly anticipated, and the court’s decision will likely have significant implications for the suspects and their families.