Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court has sentenced five suspects involved in the infamous Offa robbery to death by hanging. The verdict, delivered after a grueling five-hour judgment on Thursday, found the accused guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
As the sun rose over Ilorin on Thursday morning, tension filled the air around the Kwara State High Court. Inside, Justice Haleemah Salman meticulously presented her judgment, carefully weighing the evidence against the five suspects accused of orchestrating one of the most violent bank robberies in recent Nigerian history.
The court finds the accused guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide,” Justice Salman declared, her voice steady as she pronounced the sentences. “These offences are punishable by death, and therefore, I sentence the accused to death by hanging.”
Rewind to April 5, 2018 – a date etched in the memory of Offa residents. On that fateful day, the quiet town in Kwara State became the scene of a horrific crime that would shock the nation.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the events. It was like a war zone,” recalls Adebayo Ogunlowo, a local shopkeeper. The sound of gunfire echoed through the streets. We all feared for our lives.”
The convicted armed robbers unleashed a reign of terror, targeting multiple banks in the area. Their actions resulted in the tragic deaths of 39 people, including pregnant women and police officers who bravely attempted to intervene.
Among the victims was Sergeant Mustapha Suleiman, a dedicated police officer who left behind a young family. His widow, Aisha Suleiman, spoke outside the courthouse following the verdict.
“Nothing can bring back my husband,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “But today’s judgment brings some closure. It sends a message that such heinous acts will not go unpunished.
In the aftermath of the robbery, law enforcement agencies launched an extensive investigation. Their efforts led to the arrest of the five suspects who stood trial.
Throughout the legal proceedings, prosecutors presented compelling evidence linking the accused to the crimes. Ballistic reports, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic analysis all played crucial roles in building the case against the defendants.
As news of the verdict spread, a mix of relief and somber reflection swept through Offa and beyond. Alhaji Musa Bello, chairman of the Offa Community Bank, expressed his thoughts on the judgment.
While we cannot undo the tragedy of that day, this verdict offers some solace to our community,” he stated. It reaffirms our faith in the justice system and serves as a deterrent to others who might contemplate such evil acts.
As Kwara State and indeed all of Nigeria reflect on this landmark case, questions arise about bank security, community policing, and the broader implications for crime prevention.
The Offa robbery case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime on communities. It also highlights the importance of swift and thorough investigations, as well as the critical role of the judiciary in ensuring justice is served.
While the wounds inflicted on that April day may never fully heal, the hope is that this verdict will bring some measure of closure to the victims’ families and the entire Offa community. As Nigeria moves forward, the lessons learned from this tragedy must inform future efforts to protect citizens and prevent such senseless loss of life.
