The convicts are Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayoade Akinnibosun and Adeola Abraham.
In its ruling, the court rejected all the grounds of appeal filed by the appellants and ordered their immediate return to prison custody.
Also Read: Families of Offa robbery victims sue Kwara govt for N2.1 billion
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the convictions arose from the coordinated bank robbery carried out in April 2018 in Offa, headquarters of Offa Local Government Area of Kwara, during which five commercial banks were attacked.
No fewer than 32 persons, including nine police officers, were killed during the attacks.
NAN reports that the convicts were found guilty of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.
A sixth suspect, who was a retired police officer, Michael Adikwu, died in custody before the commencement of the trial.
Justice Saleeman had earlier sentenced the five convicts to death by hanging after a trial that lasted about six years and attracted nationwide attention.
The lead prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, described the appellate court’s decision as thorough and well considered, inspite of the prolonged delays that characterized the trial.
Mr Abdullah Jimba, counsel to one of the convicts, said preparations were underway to pursue a final appeal at the Supreme Court.
NAN
