Kwara Government Responds to Conviction of Offa Robbery Perpetrators"

The Kwara State Government has expressed relief and satisfaction with the judgment delivered by the State High Court on the April 26, 2018, Offa armed robbery case, in which five criminals were convicted. 

The robbery, which shook the state to its core, claimed the lives of at least 33 citizens, including pregnant women and nine policemen.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bola Olukoju, on Thursday, the government hailed the court's decision as a victory for justice, describing it as a triumph of good over evil.

"The government is happy that justice has been served to the victims of that unforgivable crime, their families and loved ones, to the state against which the crime was committed, and to the criminals themselves. The judgment is a triumph of good and the rule of law over evil and impunity!" the statement read.

The government also praised the court's firmness and erudition in delivering the judgment, noting that history would not forget the forthrightness with which the case was handled. It further commended the diligent prosecution efforts led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Jacob, and the entire team from the Kwara State Ministry of Justice.

"We commend the resourcefulness, hard work, commitment, and brilliance of the government team, which is led by the inimitable Rotimi Jacob SAN. We also commend every member of the team from the Kwara State Ministry of Justice. We thank them for giving life to the case after the initial conspiracies to sabotage it," the statement continued.

The Kwara State Government also reiterated its condolences to the Offa community, the families of the victims, and the police authorities affected by the tragic event. "May God rest the souls of our compatriots who died in the incident," Olukoju said.

Describing the ruling as a bold statement against impunity, the government emphasized that such heinous acts would never be tolerated. "No life is more important than the other, and we welcome this fair outcome wholeheartedly."

The Offa robbery remains one of the most devastating criminal acts in Kwara State's history, with the armed attackers targeting banks and leaving a trail of destruction. The conclusion of this case offers some closure to the families affected by the tragedy.