By Aaior K. Comfort

Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court has sentenced five suspects involved in the notorious Offa robbery to death by hanging. The court found them guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.

Delivering the judgment in Ilorin on Thursday, Justice Salman stated that the severity of the crimes warranted the death penalty, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses. The ruling came after nearly five hours of deliberation.

The robbery took place on April 5, 2018, during which the armed robbers launched a violent attack on a bank in Offa, resulting in the deaths of thirty-nine individuals, including pregnant women and police officers. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the tragic loss of life and the impact on the local community.