I know Nothing About Offa Robbery, Says Saraki

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has dismissed allegations linking him to the 2018 Offa robbery incident, describing the move by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to reopen the case as a “desperate ploy by a drowning politician.”

In a press statement yesterday,  Saraki said he had no connection, directly or indirectly, with the robbery incident, insisting that attempts to implicate him were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

He described the case as “dirty politics taken too far and too low,” warning the governor against using the tragic Offa robbery incident as a political weapon whenever he comes under pressure over governance issues in the state.

According to Saraki, although he initially intended to ignore the allegations, he was compelled to respond following widespread concern and inquiries from Nigerians over the development.

“For the benefit of the general public, let me categorically state that I have nothing to do with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever,” he said.

The former senate president further alleged that the Offa robbery case was manipulated during the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari as part of a broader political strategy to weaken his influence ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Citing official records, Saraki noted that investigations conducted by the police and legal advice issued by the director of public prosecution (DPP) in the office of the attorney general of the federation found no evidence linking him to the crime.

He referenced two legal opinions dated June 22 and August 23, 2018, which reportedly concluded that there was no prima facie case establishing any connection between him and the robbery.

Following the DPP’s advice, Saraki said, only four suspects were prosecuted by the Kwara State government. He added that the suspects were convicted at trial and the convictions upheld on appeal, with the matter currently before the Supreme Court.

Saraki accused the governor of deliberately omitting key legal documents, including the DPP reports, while allegedly promoting the case through media advertisements to mislead the public.

He described the renewed allegations as an abuse of judicial process intended to embarrass him, adding that his legal team was prepared to challenge the case in court.

The former senate president also alleged that there had been attempts to pressure families of victims of the Offa robbery to initiate civil suits against him and others, but claimed those efforts had failed.

He criticised Abdulrazaq for focusing on what he termed politically motivated litigation instead of addressing security challenges in the state, alleging that over 400 lives had been lost to banditry between January 2025 and March 2026.

Saraki argued that the governor’s actions reflected misplaced priorities and an attempt to deflect attention from governance shortcomings.

“This is a mere act of a desperate politician who is losing control and knows his days in governance are numbered,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Saraki expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that the courts would ultimately deliver justice and dismiss what he described as baseless allegations.

“I believe the judiciary will always sort out the chaff from the wheat. This case against me will collapse like a pack of cards,” he added.

The Offa robbery incident, which occurred in 2018, remains one of the most high-profile criminal cases in Kwara State, drawing national attention and legal scrutiny over the years.