Offa robbery: Judge reserves judgment for August 2
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The presiding judge in the April 5, 2018, bank robbery in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court, has reserved judgment in the six-year trial of six suspects for August 2, 2024.
On Monday, the judge adopted final written addresses containing the arguments of the two lead counsels: Rotimi Jacob (SAN) for the state and Mathias Emeribe for the defense.
At the court, the prosecution and defense teams presented their addresses one after the other on points of law.
However, the presiding judge stated that the August 2, 2024, date for judgment is tentative.
It is recalled that six suspects, including a policeman, Michael Adikwu (deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham, were arrested in connection with the armed robbery incident.
Ayoade Akinnibosun and four others are currently standing trial in the case, which began on November 11, 2018.
On April 5, 2018, suspected armed robbers attacked five commercial banks in Offa, killing over 30 persons, including nine policemen.
The five suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, and two others were charged by the police with criminal conspiracy to rob the banks, murder of nine policemen and other citizens, and illegal possession of firearms.
Michael Adikwu died in police custody while the remaining five pleaded not guilty.
