Ilorin, NIGERIA – Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has strongly denied allegations linking him to the 2018 Offa bank robbery, describing the fresh criminal charges filed by the Kwara State Government as politically motivated and baseless.
Saraki’s reaction follows the filing of a 20-count charge against him and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over their alleged involvement in the deadly robbery. The case, which has reignited national attention, is scheduled for hearing before the Kwara State High Court on June 4.
Okay News reports that Saraki dismissed the allegations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation, insisting that he has no direct or indirect connection to the robbery or any criminal activity. He argued that the incident was politicised during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of efforts to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 elections.
Citing official records, Saraki pointed to legal advice issued in 2018 by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which reportedly found no evidence linking him or the then Kwara State Governor to the crime. According to him, the DPP concluded that there was no prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, or culpable homicide against him.
He further argued that based on that legal advice, only four suspects were charged and later convicted, with their convictions upheld on appeal. The matter, he noted, is currently before the Supreme Court, making the fresh charges against him questionable.
Saraki also accused the current Kwara State administration under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of reviving the case in retaliation for his recent criticism of insecurity in the state. He alleged that the government deliberately ignored exculpatory documents while promoting what he described as a “false narrative” through media channels.
The former Senate President claimed that efforts were previously made to pressure victims’ families into initiating civil suits against him and others, but those attempts failed. He described the current legal action as an abuse of judicial process aimed at harassment and defamation.
In a strongly worded statement, Saraki criticised the governor’s leadership, accusing him of prioritising political attacks over addressing worsening insecurity in the state. He referenced reports of rising violence and kidnappings, arguing that the government should focus on protecting lives rather than pursuing what he called “frivolous charges.”
Despite the controversy, Saraki expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that the courts would ultimately determine the truth and dismiss the case. He confirmed that his legal team has been fully briefed and is prepared to challenge the charges in court.
The case is expected to remain in the public spotlight as legal proceedings begin, with significant political and legal implications for all parties involved.
