Headline
Appeal Court Upholds Death Sentence For Five Offa Bank Robbery Convicts
The Court of Appeal in Ilorin, Kwara State, has upheld the death sentences imposed on five men convicted over the 2018 Offa bank robbery, dismissing their appeals as lacking merit.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state, Mohammed Akande, who witnessed the proceedings virtually, said that the three Appeal Court judges unanimously agreed on the judgment and affirmed the verdict of the High Court condemning the five persons to death by hanging.
He said, ”The Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, comprising Hon. Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi JCA, Hon. Justice Gabriel Kolawole JCA and Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo, today, Friday affirmed the judgment of Hon. Justice H. A. Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court, that sentenced the Appellants; Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayoade Akinnibosun and Adeola Adeola Abraham to death by hanging for the involvement in the Offa Bank Robbery.”
Another official of the Court also said that the appellate court rejected all the grounds of appeal filed by the convicts and ordered their immediate return to prison custody.
“The court dismissed all their grounds of appeal and upheld their convictions. They have been taken back to prison”, the official said.
Although the convicts retain the right to approach the Supreme Court, the official said that the arguments raised at the Court of Appeal were unconvincing and may not succeed if repeated at the apex court.
Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, 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.
The convictions stem from the April 2018 coordinated bank robbery in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, during which five commercial banks were attacked.
At least 32 people were killed, including nine police officers, two of whom were women, making it one of the deadliest bank robberies in Nigeria’s history.
Justice Haleemah Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court had earlier sentenced the five convicts to death by hanging after a trial that lasted about six years and attracted nationwide attention.
In her judgment, which lasted over four hours, Justice Salman held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
She said the convicts “acted contrary to the law and allowed their connections with those in power at the time to lead them astray”.
In addition to the death sentence, the trial court also sentenced them to three years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms, in line with provisions of Nigeria’s penal laws.
Lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), described the appellate court’s decision as thorough and well considered, despite the prolonged delays that characterised the trial.
On the defence side, Abdullah Jimba, counsel to one of the convicts, said that preparations were underway to pursue a final appeal at the Supreme Court.
Headline
BREAKING: FG Files Criminal Charges Against El-Rufai Over Alleged Interception of NSA Ribadu’s Phone
The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents show that the case was instituted at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria listed as the complainant and El-Rufai named as the sole defendant.
The charges reportedly stem from remarks made by the former governor during a live television appearance last Friday. According to the charge sheet obtained by Spear News Nigeria, the case is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 and contains a three-count charge.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was earlier invited for questioning over alleged corruption linked to his administration.
He arrived the EFCC headquarters with hundreds of his supporters.
Recall that the former governor refused arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday last week.
In a series of interviews granted after the airport drama, El-Rufai accused the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of orchestrating the attempted arrest.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, as the new and 6th Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), ushering in a new era of leadership for the institution.
This appointment, according to a statement signed on Sunday, 15th February 2026, by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr Emmanuel Fanu, follows the completion of the tenure of Professor Gbolahan Elias, who served meritoriously as the 5th Chancellor of the university.
According to the statement, the new Chancellor’s appointment takes effect from Friday, February 13, 2026, for a single term of five years, renewable once.
“The appointment is made pursuant to the provisions of the Lagos State University Law 2004 (As amended), Chapter L69, Volume 7, Schedule 1, which empowers the Visitor to appoint the Chancellor of the University.
“His Majesty’s appointment is for a single term of Five years, effective from Friday, 13th February 2026, and is renewable once.
“The Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor warmly congratulate HRM Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo on this distinguished appointment and look forward to his impactful leadership in advancing the vision and mission of Lagos State University.”
Oba Ogunsanwo, a respected traditional ruler and accomplished scholar, brings to the role decades of leadership experience, academic exposure, and community service. His selection is seen as a strategic move aimed at leveraging his wealth of knowledge and influence to further position LASU as a leading centre of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
LASU Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor warmly congratulate HRM, Oba Ogunsanwo on this distinguished appointment, and look forward to his impactful leadership in advancing the vision and mission of Lagos State University.
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