Offa robbery: Suspects say they killed 9 persons for throwing stones at them

Some suspects of the robbery incident in Offa, Kwara state, have confessed to killing nine people who hauled stones at them during the operation. 

The robbery, which took place on April 5, 2018, resulted in 33 fatalities, including pregnant women and 12 police officers.

Those standing trial are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran.

At the hearing at the Ilorin high court on Wednesday, Rotimi Jacob, the prosecuting counsel, called one John Nwoke, a police inspector and cinematographer attached to the force public relations unit, Abuja, to give his testimony.

Nwoke presented a DVD video containing the supposed confessional statements of the defendants. All except Aknnibosun said they killed 11 persons who were throwing stones and other objects at them.

Abraham, Salawu and Ogundiran reportedly confessed to shooting nine persons to prevent being stoned to death by members of the public.

On his part, Ogunleye said he killed two people who were trying to escape at the gate of the police station.

Akinnibosun, who claimed to be the ring leader, also narrated how late Michael Adikwu, a dismissed police officer, sold the robbery idea to him.

He added that he, in turn, recruited four other accomplices to carry out the robbery, adding that he owned the two vehicles used in the incident.

Haleema Saleeman, the judge, adjourned the case till March 15 and 16 for the final trial.