“The Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, comprising Hon. Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi JCA, Hon. Justice Gabriel Kolawole JCA, and Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo JCA, on Friday affirmed the judgement of Hon. Justice H. A. Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced the appellants — Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayoade Akinnibosun, and Adeola Abraham — to death by hanging for their involvement in the Offa bank robbery,” the statement said.
“The appellants failed to establish any miscarriage of justice. The Court of Appeal agreed with the High Court that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and upheld the convictions.
“The court dismissed all their grounds of appeal and upheld their convictions. They have been taken back to prison,” it added.
It will be recalled that Justice Haleemah Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court handed down the death sentences after a six-year trial that drew nationwide attention.
In addition to the death penalty, the court also sentenced the convicts to three years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms.
Lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), described the appellate court’s judgement as “thorough and well-considered,” saying it reaffirmed the strength of the case against the convicts despite delays that prolonged the trial.
On the defence side, counsel to one of the convicts, Abdullah Jimba, said preparations were underway to file a final appeal at the Supreme Court.
Ayoade Akinnibosun, Salawu Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham were convicted of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide. A sixth suspect, Michael Adikwu, a retired police officer, died in custody before the commencement of the trial.