2018 Offa Robbery: Kwara Files Charges Against Bukola Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed
Fresh legal and political tensions have emerged in Kwara State following the decision of the state government to file criminal charges against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over their alleged roles in the 2018 Offa bank robbery.
The charges, contained in suit No. KWS/114C/26, were filed before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, with the two prominent political figures facing a 20-count charge bordering on culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, and related offences. The case has been assigned to Justice Haleemah Salman, with arraignment scheduled for June 4.
The development follows the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the conviction of several suspects involved in the April 2018 robbery that shook the town of Offa and left dozens dead. Among those convicted was Ayo Akinnibosun, who, during trial, reportedly confessed to being a “hitman” linked to Saraki’s political structure.
The Offa robbery, one of the most notorious criminal incidents in recent Nigerian history, involved coordinated attacks on multiple banks and police facilities, resulting in significant casualties, including security personnel and civilians. The case drew nationwide attention not only due to its scale but also because of the alleged political connections that surfaced during investigations.
Prosecutors are expected to rely on evidence presented during the initial trial of the convicted suspects, including confessional statements and exhibits reportedly recovered from locations tied to the state government at the time. In 2018, security agencies disclosed that vehicles and other materials allegedly linked to the robbery were traced to the Kwara State Government House and a state ministry, claims that became central to the prosecution’s case.
Despite these allegations, Saraki has consistently denied any involvement in the crime or association with the convicted individuals. Reacting to the latest charges, the former Senate President described the move by the Kwara State Government as politically motivated, alleging a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and weaken his political influence.
He also dismissed claims of any personal relationship with Akinnibosun, although photographs showing both men at a social event—reportedly a wedding within Saraki’s family—have circulated in the public domain, further fueling debate around the case.
Legal analysts note that the fresh charges signal a significant escalation, as the state government appears determined to extend accountability beyond the convicted perpetrators to alleged sponsors. However, they also caution that the burden of proof remains high, particularly given Saraki’s previous exoneration by federal investigative bodies at earlier stages of the case.
The arraignment on June 4 is expected to draw intense public and political scrutiny, as the case revives unresolved questions about the intersection of crime, politics, and justice in Kwara State.
