Offa Robbery: Saraki Vows To Fight Remaining Charges

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has vowed to challenge the remaining allegations against him after the Kwara State Government withdrew 18 charges from the case linked to the 2018 Offa bank robbery.

The state government has applied to amend the original 20-count charge against Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and two former aides, reducing it to four counts.

The amended charge retains allegations bordering on conspiracy to belong to a gang of thieves and membership of such a gang. It also introduces two counts relating to the alleged concealment or disappearance of a Lexus RX Jeep bearing the inscription “SARAKI” as its plate number.

The prosecution alleges that the vehicle was connected to the illegal activities surrounding the Offa robbery. The defendants have not entered their pleas, and the trial is yet to commence.

The original charges included allegations of armed robbery, culpable homicide and illegal possession of firearms. These were among the 18 counts removed in the proposed amendment.

Reacting to the development, Saraki, through his media office, described the withdrawal as evidence that the original allegations lacked credible evidence. He accused the Kwara State Government of abusing prosecutorial powers and using the case to damage his reputation.

In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki’s media office also alleged that the prosecution was politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It further claimed that the state government had spent close to ₦100m on newspaper advertisements publicising the allegations against the former governors.

Saraki’s camp, however, maintained that the former Senate President would contest the four remaining counts and would not accept the allegations against him.

The development comes amid a series of legal proceedings over the April 5, 2018 robbery in Offa, during which several banks and a police station were attacked, leaving dozens of people dead.

Five persons convicted over the robbery had their convictions and sentences upheld by the Court of Appeal in January 2026.

The case against Saraki, Ahmed and the two former aides has remained at the preliminary stage, with legal arguments delaying their arraignment.

The amended charge now awaits the court’s consideration, while Saraki’s legal team prepares to challenge the allegations that remain.

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