Judgment Awaited in Offa Bank Robbery Case After Six-Year Trial

Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court is scheduled to deliver judgment today in the high-profile Offa bank robbery case. This case has been ongoing for nearly six years, commanding significant public attention due to the severity of the incident, which occurred on April 5, 2018.

The judgment had initially been slated for August 2 but was postponed to today, underscoring the complexities involved in the proceedings. Justice Salman’s decision follows the adoption of final written addresses by the lead counsels: Rotimi Jacob (SAN) for the state prosecution and Mathew Emeribe for the defense.

Among the six individuals originally detained in connection with the robbery, five defendants are presently standing trial. They include Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham. The sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a former police officer, died while in police custody.

The accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy to rob banks, murder of nine policemen, and unlawful possession of firearms. The robbery, described locally as a bloody event, resulted in the deaths of over 30 individuals, including numerous law enforcement personnel.

Justice Salman began reading the judgment at 9:14 this morning. Rotimi Jacob leads the prosecutorial efforts, while Nathaniel Emeribe’s defense is represented in court by AS Abdullahi due to Emeribe’s absence.

This case, having commenced on November 11, 2018, has been a significant legal spectacle, capturing public and media interest across Nigeria due to its implications on security and justice system efficacy. Further updates on the proceedings are expected shortly.