Court of Appeal refuses to suspend Offa robbery trial involving former Senate President and ex‑Governor

The Ilorin Division Court of Appeal has refused to stay the criminal proceedings stemming from the 2018 Offa bank robbery. The ruling issued on 3 November 2026 permits the Kwara State High Court in the Erin‑Ile Judicial Division to proceed with hearing the matter on 5 November 2026. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and two additional defendants had requested a suspension of proceedings while their appeals were being considered.

Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi presided over the appeal and rejected both applications, finding no justification for halting a criminal matter. While the court granted the appellants four days to file reply briefs, it emphasised that a stay of proceedings was not appropriate in this context.

Background

The Offa robbery occurred in April 2018 when armed men attacked several banks in Offa, Kwara State, resulting in multiple deaths. Initial prosecutions led to convictions by the Kwara State High Court, and subsequent appeals were dismissed by the Court of Appeal. Allegations later emerged linking political figures, including Saraki and Ahmed, to the incident, though they denied involvement. Victims pursued civil actions against the state government and Ahmed for accountability. In response, the Kwara State Government filed a fresh 20‑count criminal charge (KWS/114C/26) against Saraki, Ahmed, Yusuf Abdulwahab and Alabi Olalekan, accusing them of criminal conspiracy and culpable conduct.

Two separate appeals were lodged: CA/IL/4C/2026 by Yusuf Abdulwahab and CA/IL/93C/2026 by Alabi Olalekan, both seeking a stay of the trial. Counsel J. A. Mumini (SAN) represented the appellants, requesting additional time to file reply briefs and a stay of proceedings. Chief R. O. Balogun (SAN), representing the Kwara State Government, opposed the stay, arguing that criminal matters no longer permit such orders and that the applications were intended to frustrate the trial. K. K. Eleja (SAN), for the second respondent, supported invoking Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to halt the trial, claiming continued proceedings would render the appeals moot.

Why it matters

The ruling allows the high court to proceed with a trial that carries significant political and legal implications for senior figures in Nigeria’s recent history. A conviction could result in criminal penalties for Saraki and Ahmed, who have both held prominent national offices. The case also reflects broader concerns about accountability for the 2018 Offa robbery, which left numerous victims and raised questions about the involvement of powerful individuals. The continuation of the trial underscores the judiciary’s stance on maintaining criminal proceedings despite procedural challenges raised by high‑profile defendants.

What happens next

The Kwara State High Court is scheduled to resume hearings on 5 November 2026. The appellants have been given four days to submit reply briefs to the appeal court. No further stays have been granted, meaning the trial will proceed unless new applications are filed and accepted. The outcome of the high court’s proceedings will determine whether the 20‑count charge leads to convictions, fines or other sanctions, and will likely influence any ongoing civil actions by victims against the state and the accused.