Lead defence counsel, Nathaniel Emeribe, has said the de@th sentence slammed on five men involved in the Offa bank robbery of 2018 would be appealed against. Emeribe said this on Thursday after a High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State on Thursday sentenced the five men charged with the Offa bank robbery incident to death by hanging.
The court convicted Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham. Delivering judgment, Justice Haleema Saliman held that the five defendants were found guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, culpable homicide and illegal possession of fire arms. Saliman said that the defendants caused the death of people, including a police officers and civilians during the armed robbery in Offa, on April, 2018, which is punishable by death.
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.