Five men who stood trial in the Offa bank robbery in 2018 in which 30 persons were gunned down have indicated interest to appeal the death sentence handed down by Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court.
They were found guilty of unlawful possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
In a verdict delivered on Thursday September 26, the judge while presiding over the case, held that the offenses were punishable by death.
The Offa bank robbery happened on April 5, 2018.
Below is the 6 years old viral video of their confession:
Six suspects, including a police officer, Michael Adikwu (now deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham, were arrested and convicted in connection with the bloody bank robbery.
However, the lead defence counsel, Nathaniel Emeribe, has said the death sentence slammed on five men involved in the Offa bank robbery of 2018 would be appealed.
He disclosed this shortly after judgment was delivered on Thursday.
The court convicted Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham.
Speaking after the verdict, the lead prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacob, SAN, said that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Jacob said that the six years spent on the case was worth it, as evidence clearly showed that the convicts were involved in the robbery and killings.
Also speaking, the lead defence counsel, Nathaniel Emeribe, represented by Abdullahi Jimba said that the judgment was not surprising, considering the evidence presented in court. 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 prime suspect, a policeman, Michael Adikwu died in police custody during the trial while the remaining five pleaded for mercy but were convicted.
