Saraki Denies Link To Offa Robbery

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa bank robbery, describing fresh criminal charges filed against him by the Kwara State Government as politically motivated and an abuse of judicial process.

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Saraki, in a statement on Friday, insisted that previous investigations by federal authorities had exonerated him of any wrongdoing.

The former Senate President dismissed the allegations, maintaining that he had no connection to the incident.

“Let me categorically state that I have nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever,” he said.

His reaction followed reports that the Kwara State Government filed a 20-count charge against him, former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and two others over the April 2018 robbery.

The case, marked KWS/114C/26, also listed Yusuf Abdulwahab and Alabi Olalekan as defendants.

They are expected to be arraigned before Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on June 4.

The state government alleged that Saraki and Ahmed armed suspects linked to the robbery.

Prosecutors are relying on confessional statements, particularly from Ayo Akinnibosun, who allegedly claimed he led armed operatives connected to political figures.

They also cited the recovery of weapons and exhibits from Government House and a state ministry in 2018.

Saraki Cites Earlier Investigations

Saraki, however, said earlier investigations by the police and legal advice from the Federal Ministry of Justice cleared him.

“For the Senate President and the Kwara State Governor, this office is unable to establish from the evidence… a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects,” he quoted from a 2018 report.

He added that no prima facie case was established against him in subsequent reviews.

The former Senate President described the renewed charges as an attempt to damage his image.

“Suddenly, the governor woke up after I granted an interview… and thought he could resurrect these baseless charges,” he said.

He also alleged that the case was originally designed as “an instrument of blackmail to seize political power” ahead of the 2019 elections.

Saraki criticised the Kwara State Government’s handling of insecurity, citing rising cases of banditry and kidnappings.

“One would have thought that a governor whose state has lost over 400 lives to banditry… would concentrate efforts on tackling the menace,” he said.

He vowed to challenge the charges in court, expressing confidence in the judicial process.

“I have full confidence in the ability of the judiciary to give justice… this case against me will collapse like a pack of cards,” he said.

Background To Offa Robbery

The Offa robbery, which occurred in April 2018, remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest bank heists, with at least 32 people killed, including police officers.

In January 2026, the Court of Appeal upheld the death sentences of five convicted offenders, including Akinnibosun.

The case is currently before the Supreme Court, while the fresh charges against Saraki and others are expected to commence in June.