Offa Robbery: Saraki Denies Fresh Charges, Alleges Political Plot

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa bank robbery, describing fresh charges filed against him as politically motivated and an abuse of judicial process. Saraki’s reaction follows a 20-count charge reportedly filed by the Kwara State Government, accusing him, former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and two others of alleged complicity in the deadly robbery incident.

In a statement, Saraki maintained that he had no direct or indirect link to the crime, insisting that previous investigations by federal authorities found no evidence against him.

“I have nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery,” he said, reaffirming his innocence.

The charges are linked to the April 2018 Offa robbery in Kwara State, during which armed men attacked several banks and killed at least 32 people, including police officers. Prosecutors are reportedly relying on confessional statements and evidence recovered during earlier investigations, including claims that some suspects had links to political figures.

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However, Saraki cited legal advice issued in 2018 by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which he said cleared him of any wrongdoing, noting that no prima facie case was established against him. He further alleged that the renewed charges were an attempt to tarnish his reputation and distract from governance issues, particularly after his recent criticism of insecurity in the state.

Describing the move as a “political witch-hunt,” Saraki said his legal team would challenge the charges in court, expressing confidence that the case would not stand.

The case is expected to be heard at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, with proceedings scheduled to begin in June, drawing renewed national attention to one of Nigeria’s most notorious bank robbery incidents.