The Kwara State Government has defended its decision to prosecute former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and others over their alleged links to the 2018 Offa armed robbery, insisting that the move is grounded in available evidence and not motivated by political vendetta.
In a statement issued at the weekend by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government dismissed Saraki’s claim that the charges amount to a “malicious witch-hunt” aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The former governor had also argued that he was previously exonerated by legal advice from the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2018.
However, the state government maintained that the matter is now before the courts and therefore sub judice, stressing its commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence.
“As a responsible government, we must refrain from statements that could interfere with the administration of justice,” the statement read, adding that the courts remain the proper venue for determining the merits of the case.
The charges stem from the deadly armed robbery attack that occurred on April 5, 2018, in Offa, Kwara State, which left at least 33 people dead, including nine police officers. The incident shocked the nation and prompted extensive investigations and prosecutions.
The government noted that convictions have since been secured in the case, including a ruling by the Court of Appeal in January 2026, affirming earlier findings against those directly involved in the robbery.
According to the statement, confessional statements and evidence presented during trial proceedings allegedly pointed to connections between some of the convicted robbers and prominent political figures, including Saraki and former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The government claimed that the convicted individuals, in written and video confessions, alleged receiving support from political figures through intermediaries, including vehicles, cash, and firearms. It further stated that one of the vehicles allegedly used in the operation was later recovered and tendered as evidence.
Additionally, the statement referenced claims that one of the convicted robbers had appeared in public events alongside Saraki, including condolence visits to Offa and private ceremonies.
While emphasising that such claims form part of the evidence before the court, the government reiterated that it is not the role of prosecutors to determine guilt.
“The filing of charges is based on evidence available to the State. The determination of guilt or innocence rests solely with the courts,” Olukoju stated.
Addressing Saraki’s reliance on earlier legal advice from the Federal DPP, the state government argued that the document does not constitute an exoneration. It described the advice as preliminary and noted that it even recommended further investigation at the time.
The government also stressed that criminal prosecutions for offences committed within Kwara State fall under the jurisdiction of the state’s Attorney General, not federal authorities.
Reaffirming its stance, the Kwara State Government said it has no interest in victimisation but cannot ignore evidence implicating any individual, regardless of status.
Invoking the principle of equality before the law, the statement concluded that all defendants, including Saraki, have the constitutional right to defend themselves in court.
The case is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, drawing significant public attention as it revisits one of Nigeria’s most shocking criminal incidents in recent years.