- Police arrest Omolara Ogundiran, sister of Offa bank robbery suspect, Niyi Ogundiran, after trial, causing a stir in the courtroom
- Prosecution hints at consequences for attempting to deceive the court, citing discrepancies in Omolara’s testimony during the trial
The ongoing trial of the deadly Offa bank robbery that occurred on April 5, 2018, in Kwara State took an unexpected turn as police arrested Omolara Ogundiran, the sister of one of the suspects. The arrest unfolded immediately after the trial on Friday, causing a stir in the courtroom.
Omolara, a graduate of Ire Poly, Osogbo, is the younger sister of the 5th defendant, Niyi Ogundiran. She was taken into custody around 3:40 pm by operatives of the Kwara State Police Command. The defence counsel, Barrister Mathias Emeribe, expressed uncertainty about the reason for the arrest and indicated he would seek clarification.
Regarding the arrest, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacob (SAN) hinted at potential consequences for attempting to deceive the court. He highlighted discrepancies in Omolara’s testimony, stating, “there are bold consequences for trying to deceive the court.”
The defence counsel explained that Omolara, intended as a witness, was arrested when attempting to leave after the trial. He had sought the court’s protection to ensure her testimony remained consistent.
Earlier in the trial, Omolara had presented evidence that she went to Osogbo to collect a receipt for motor spare parts purchased by Niyi on the day of the robbery. However, during cross-examination, inconsistencies emerged, leading to the rejection of the receipt as evidence by the presiding judge, Justice Halimat Salman.
The case began on November 11, 2018, and involves five defendants standing trial for their alleged involvement in the Offa bank robbery. The incident saw armed robbers attack five commercial banks, resulting in over 30 casualties, including nine policemen. The trial continues, with the next hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2024, for the adoption of written addresses by the counsel.
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