Kwara State Government has filed a 20-count criminal charge against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-governor Abdulfatai Ahmed over alleged links to the 2018 Offa armed robbery, with the defendants set to be arraigned on June 4 before a state High Court in Ilorin.

What led to the charges

The case, marked KWS/114C/26, also names Yusuf Abdulwahab, a former Chief of Staff, and aide Alabi Olalekan.

According to the state government, the charges followed developments after the Court of Appeal upheld earlier convictions tied to the Offa robbery incident.

The robbery, which occurred in April 2018, led to multiple arrests and prosecutions, including that of Ayo Akinnibosun, who allegedly made key confessional statements during trial.

Key allegations in court

Prosecutors claim that some weapons and exhibits linked to the robbery were recovered from the Government House and a state ministry in 2018.

These items were later tendered in court and formed part of the evidence that secured previous convictions.

Akinnibosun was also said to have claimed he led a group of armed operatives connected to political figures, alleging they received financial and logistical support.

He further alleged that firearms and a vehicle bearing Saraki’s name plate were made available through a senior government official.

Saraki denies involvement

Saraki has rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation.

The defendants are expected to challenge the claims in court as the trial begins.

What happens next

The prosecution is expected to rely on confessional statements and recovered exhibits as proceedings commence in June.

All the accused persons have maintained their innocence ahead of the arraignment.