Kwara Govt Defends Prosecution of Saraki Over Offa Robbery, Dismisses ‘Exoneration’ Claims

T The Kwara State Government has justified the ongoing prosecution of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and others over their alleged links to the 2018 Offa armed robbery, insisting that the case is grounded in credible evidence and due process.

In a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government said it was responding to claims by Saraki that the charges against him amounted to a “malicious witch-hunt,” despite what he described as prior exoneration by the Federal Ministry of Justice through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The government, however, rejected this assertion, clarifying that the matter is already before the court and therefore sub judice. It stressed its commitment to the rule of law and said it would refrain from making statements that could interfere with judicial proceedings.

Recounting the background of the case, the government noted that the April 5, 2018 robbery in Offa left at least 33 people dead, including police officers, and sent shockwaves across the country. It added that convictions have since been secured, including a ruling by the Court of Appeal in January 2026.

According to the statement, evidence presented before the court, including confessional statements by convicted suspects, allegedly linked Saraki, former state officials, and others to the incident. The suspects reportedly claimed they received operational support—such as vehicles, cash, and weapons—from political figures.

“The convicts specifically stated that they received operational support from the ‘leader,’ Senator Bukola Saraki,” the statement said, adding that such support was allegedly facilitated through aides, including a former Chief of Staff.

The government also referenced testimony that vehicles used in the robbery were traced back to government sources and later recovered during investigations. It further claimed that one of the convicted suspects confirmed personal interactions between the group and Saraki.

While acknowledging the constitutional right of the defendants to defend themselves, the state maintained that ignoring such allegations would amount to an abdication of responsibility.

“It is the exclusive duty of the courts to determine guilt,” the statement read. “No one is above the law, and all persons must be treated equally before it.”

On the issue of alleged exoneration, the government argued that the DPP’s advisory cited by Saraki does not amount to a final clearance but merely an opinion. It noted that the advisory itself reportedly recommended further investigation and was issued before court proceedings and subsequent convictions.

“The so-called report cannot be regarded as an exoneration or a final conclusion,” the government stated, emphasizing that the crimes occurred within Kwara State, not the Federal Capital Territory, thereby placing prosecutorial responsibility on the state.

The government concluded by reiterating that Saraki and other defendants have the right to present their case in court and urged all parties to allow the judicial process to run its course.