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  • Saraki Fires Back At Kwara Govt Over Offa Robbery Charges, Calls Case “Frivolous”

    Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has strongly denied any link to the 2018 Offa robbery incident, describing fresh charges filed against him by the Kwara State Government as “frivolous” and politically motivated.

    In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Saraki said he initially considered ignoring the case but decided to respond following what he described as widespread concern from Nigerians over the development.

    What Saraki said

    Saraki insisted he had no direct or indirect involvement in the Offa robbery or any criminal activity, alleging that the case was originally orchestrated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a tool to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 elections.

    He cited legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which he said found no evidence linking him to the crime.

    According to him, the DPP stated in separate reports that there was no basis to establish a case of conspiracy, armed robbery, or culpable homicide against him.

    Allegations of political witch-hunt

    The former Senate President accused the current Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of reviving the case as part of a political agenda.

    He claimed the charges resurfaced shortly after he criticised the state government’s handling of insecurity during a television interview, alleging that the move was aimed at discrediting him.

    Saraki further alleged that key documents clearing him were deliberately withheld from public circulation, while what he described as “skewed narratives” were promoted in the media.

    “This is a clear abuse of the judicial process to embarrass my person,” he said, adding that his legal team is prepared to challenge the case in court.

    Security concerns raised

    Saraki also criticised the state government’s focus, arguing that it should prioritise tackling insecurity rather than pursuing what he described as politically driven cases.

    He claimed that hundreds of lives had been lost to banditry in Kwara State in recent times, insisting that governance should focus on protecting citizens.

    Confidence in judiciary

    Despite his criticism, Saraki expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that the courts would ultimately determine the truth.

    He maintained that the case would “collapse like a pack of cards,” reiterating his belief that justice would prevail.

    The development comes days after the Kwara State Government filed charges against Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed over alleged links to the Offa robbery case.

    Related search: Bukola Saraki Offa robbery case Kwara State charges

  • Kwara Files 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed Over Alleged Offa Robbery Links

    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.