Saraki claims political vendetta as Kwara drops most Offa robbery charges

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed have been spared the bulk of the criminal accusations stemming from the April 2018 Offa bank robbery. On 6 November 2026 the Kwara State Attorney‑General filed an amended charge sheet that reduced the original twenty counts to four, discarding eighteen allegations of armed robbery, police deaths and illegal firearm possession. The amendment was signed off by the state’s legal office and lodged with the court, prompting Saraki’s media team to denounce the move as a politically‑driven vendetta.

Saraki, through a statement signed by his spokesperson Yusuph Olaniyonu, argued that the withdrawal of the eighteen counts demonstrates that the original case lacked credible evidence. He further accused Governor Abdul‑Rahman Abdul‑Razaq’s administration of abusing the judicial process to tarnish the reputations of his predecessors ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the declaration, the revision served as a concession that no legal basis existed to pursue these men from the outset.

Background

In April 2018, a violent theft occurred at a financial institution located in Offa, Kwara State, an event known as the Offa incident. Initial investigations led to a twenty‑count indictment against Saraki, Ahmed and two other individuals, alleging participation in the robbery, the killing of police officers and unlawful possession of firearms. Over the years, the state attempted to arraign the former governors, with unsuccessful attempts reported as early as April 2026.

In November 2026 the state’s Attorney‑General, Ibrahim Sulyman (SAN), submitted a motion supporting the amended charge sheet, identified as KWS/114C/2026. The new filing retained two of the original counts—numbers 19 and 20—while adding two fresh allegations. The four remaining charges now allege conspiracy to belong to a gang of thieves, actual membership of such a gang, and the concealment or disappearance of a vehicle used for unlawful purposes. Yusuf Abdulwahab, the former Chief of Staff, and Alabi Olalekan, a previous political assistant, are also listed as co-accused in the revised charges.

Saraki’s media office highlighted that the state had previously made “unsuccessful attempts” to bring the case to trial, suggesting procedural delays and a lack of substantive evidence. The office labeled the revision as absurd, malicious, and ill-motivated, arguing it represented another effort to misuse the court system.

Why it matters

This matter lies at the crossroads of prominent Nigerian political conflicts and the nation's legal framework. If the remaining four counts proceed, they could still result in significant legal consequences for the former governors and their associates, including potential convictions for gang‑theft conspiracy and vehicle concealment. The allegations also touch on broader concerns about the use of criminal prosecutions as political tools, a narrative Saraki is keen to amplify ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwara’s decision to drop the majority of the charges has drawn criticism from Saraki’s camp, which claims the move confirms the original prosecution was unfounded. Conversely, the state government maintains that the amendment reflects a genuine reassessment of the evidence, not a political concession. The divergent narratives underscore ongoing tensions between the former federal leadership and the current Kwara administration.

Stakeholders include the victims of the 2018 robbery, whose families have awaited justice for years, as well as the broader electorate, who may view the case as indicative of either political overreach or selective law enforcement. Legal analysts note that the reduced charge sheet could streamline the trial process, but the inclusion of new gang‑theft allegations suggests the prosecution still seeks a substantive conviction.

What happens next

The amended charge sheet remains before the court, and the next procedural step will be a hearing on the admissibility of the four remaining counts. No specific trial date has been announced, but the court is expected to schedule a preliminary hearing within the coming weeks. Both Saraki’s legal team and the Kwara State Attorney‑General have indicated they will be prepared to argue their respective positions on the merits of the remaining allegations.

The outcome of this hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or whether further amendments might be sought. Observers will be watching closely for any indications of additional political maneuvering, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.