Kwara Govt Links Bukola Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Kwara Govt Links Bukola Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case

The Kwara State Government has urged former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and other accused persons to defend themselves in court over fresh allegations linking them to the 2018 Offa armed robbery case, insisting that the matter must be resolved strictly through judicial proceedings.

The state government, in a statement issued by Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the new 20-count charges filed on April 9, 2026, also involve former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, his former Chief of Staff Yusuf Abdulwahab, and aide Alabi Olalekan Ahmed.

The government alleged that the defendants supported and supplied arms to individuals connected to the deadly robbery attack that occurred in Offa, Kwara State in 2018, an incident that led to multiple deaths and widespread public outrage at the time.

The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated that the fresh charges are based on evidence already obtained during earlier investigations and court proceedings related to the robbery case. It claimed that weapons and other exhibits allegedly linked to the crime were recovered from the Government House in 2018 and later presented as evidence during the prosecution of the principal suspects.

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The government also referenced the Court of Appeal judgment which upheld the conviction of some of the suspects, including Ayo Akinnibosun, who allegedly made confessional statements during trial linking certain political figures to the incident.

The state government maintained that the decision to file new charges is not politically motivated but a constitutional responsibility to act on available evidence. Commissioner Olukoju stressed that ignoring such evidence would amount to dereliction of duty, adding that all individuals must be treated equally under the law, regardless of political status or influence. She explained that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence, not the government or public opinion, and insisted that the prosecution process must be strictly followed.

In response, Saraki has denied any involvement in the Offa robbery case, describing the renewed charges as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his image and reputation. He maintained that the allegations are unfounded and expressed confidence that he would clear his name in court, insisting that the matter is being used to pursue political interests.

The 2018 Offa robbery remains one of the most violent incidents in Kwara State’s recent history, involving coordinated attacks on banks that resulted in multiple deaths, including security personnel and civilians. Several suspects were arrested and prosecuted, with some convictions later upheld on appeal. The case has continued to generate political controversy due to alleged links between some convicted individuals and high-profile political actors.

The Kwara State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and justice, stressing that the new charges are based on its constitutional duty to act on credible evidence. It added that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence, urging all defendants to present their defence in line with due legal process.