The Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU) has urged the Kwara State Government to take swift action in implementing the recent court ruling concerning the Offa bank robbery. Following the death sentences handed down by the Kwara State High Court to five convicted robbers, the community is now seeking a comprehensive investigation into other individuals implicated during the trial.

During a press conference in Offa, Chief Tajudeen Shittu, chairman of the ODU’s home branch, expressed the community’s mixed feelings about the judgment. While the death sentences for the five individuals convicted for their roles in the April 5, 2018, robbery were welcomed, questions remain about the thoroughness of the investigation and whether influential individuals are being shielded from scrutiny.

A Kwara State High Court, led by Justice Haleema Salman, convicted Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham to death by hanging for their involvement in the robbery that shook the community.

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In a formal petition directed to Kwara State Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya, the ODU emphasized their concerns regarding the police’s handling of the investigation. The press conference was jointly signed by Chief Tajudeen Shittu (Chairman), Apostle Gabriel Kolawole (Public Relations Officer), and Hakeem Mudashiru (General Secretary). They reiterated their satisfaction with the convictions but highlighted their disappointment with the investigation’s conclusion.

The ODU stated, “While we appreciate the conviction of the suspects, Offa as a community has reservations about how the investigation was conducted. Although we are relieved that the culprits will not evade punishment, we remain committed to pursuing justice against all involved, especially those connected to the robbers.”

The community is particularly focused on uncovering more details regarding the vehicle used in the robbery and identifying individuals mentioned during the investigation. They insist that the investigation must extend further to ensure that justice is fully realized.

The statement continued, “We demand a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those who aided the robbers logistically. All names mentioned by the convicted individuals should be thoroughly examined to ensure proper justice is served.”

In their appeal, the ODU urged the Kwara State Government to revisit the case and conduct a comprehensive investigation, dispelling public perceptions that the police’s handling of the April 2018 Offa Bank robbery case is incomplete. They emphasized this as a critical and unwavering demand from the Offa community.

In response to the convictions, the Kwara State Government commended the judgment, declaring it a “triumph of good over evil.”