Kwara government files criminal charges against Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed over Offa robbery incident

The Kwara State Government has filed a 20-count charge against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over allegations linked to the 2018 Offa robbery incident.

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Also named in the case are Yusuf Abdulwahab and Alabi Olalekan. The charges were filed at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on April 9, 2026.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of conspiring with individuals already convicted for the Offa bank robberies to carry out armed attacks on multiple financial institutions, including branches of Guarantee Trust Bank, First Bank, Ecobank, Union Bank, and Zenith Bank. The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Robbery and Firearms Act.

The case stems from the April 5, 2018 attacks in Offa, where several banks and a police station were targeted, resulting in 33 deaths, including police officers and civilians.

In September 2024, a Kwara High Court convicted five individuals, including alleged gang leader Ayoade Akinnibosun, for armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide. The convictions were upheld by the Court of Appeal in January.

Following the incident, police investigations linked the gang to political figures. Authorities alleged that Akinnibosun claimed the group had connections to Saraki and received support through intermediaries.

However, during public statements, Akinnibosun reportedly said Saraki was not aware of the robbery operations. He later alleged in court that he had been pressured by police officials to implicate the former Senate President.

Saraki has consistently denied any involvement in the Offa robbery or association with the suspects. The case is expected to further examine the alleged links between political actors and the convicted individuals, as proceedings continue before the Kwara State High Court.