Saraki hits back at Abdulrazaq over Offa robbery charges, alleges political motive

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has rejected the criminal charges initiated against him over the 2018 robbery attack in Offa, describing the move by Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, as “a desperate ploy by a drowning politician.”

Saraki, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, said he had “nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever,” insisting that the allegations were politically motivated.

While describing the criminal case as “dirty politics taken too far and too low”, Saraki warned Abdulrazaq to desist from what he described as the use of the Offa robbery incident as a political tool whenever he comes under pressure.

He accused the incumbent governor of reviving the case in response to criticism of his administration, particularly after a recent interview on Channels Television, where he faulted the state government’s handling of insecurity.

“Ordinarily, my attitude to this move by the incumbent Governor of Kwara State to initiate a case of criminal liability against me in the unfortunate incident of armed robbery which happened in Offa community eight years ago would be to say we will meet in court, since I know I have nothing to do with the incident or any other crime,” Saraki said.

The former Senate President further alleged that the Offa robbery case was politicised under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari as “an instrument of blackmail to seize political power” in Kwara State ahead of the 2019 elections.

“However, I have been inundated with calls from many well-meaning Nigerians who were surprised by this turn of events. Thus, for the benefit of the general public, let me categorically state that I have nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever. The Offa robbery incident was designed under the Buhari administration, with the connivance of some individuals from Kwara State, as an instrument of blackmail to seize political power from our group in 2019,” he said.

Citing legal opinions from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Saraki noted that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), in two advisories dated June 22 and August 23, 2018, found no evidence linking him to the crime.

According to him, the DPP stated in its first legal advice that it was “unable to establish… a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects,” while a second report maintained that there was no prima facie case against him on charges of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide.

Saraki added that following the DPP’s advice, suspects were prosecuted and convicted, with the case currently before the Supreme Court.

He accused the Kwara State Government of deliberately omitting these legal findings while publicising fresh charges, alleging that such actions were intended to mislead the public.

“Suddenly, the governor… thought he could resurrect these charges against his predecessors. I noticed that in the process of circulating these charges… the DPP reports and other documents were not highlighted,” he said.

Describing the charges as “frivolous” and an “abuse of court process,” Saraki said his legal team would challenge the case in court.

“My legal team will meet this in court. I believe this is an attempt to harass and defame my person through the judicial process,” he added.

The former Senate President also claimed that attempts were made to persuade victims’ families to file civil suits against him, but said the efforts did not succeed.

Saraki further criticised the governor’s priorities, accusing him of focusing on politics rather than addressing insecurity in the state.

He alleged that the state had recorded significant casualties from insecurity, calling for greater attention to tackling the situation.

Despite the dispute, Saraki expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that the case “will collapse like a pack of cards.”

“Let me reiterate my belief in the ability of the judiciary to do justice at all times… I am confident that this case will be resolved based on the facts,” he said.