Date: April 17, 2026 l Reporter: Ebere Igboke
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has strongly rejected fresh charges linking him to the 2018 Offa bank robbery, describing the allegations as “frivolous” and politically motivated, while accusing the Kwara State Government of abandoning victims of banditry to pursue what he termed a personal vendetta against him.
Saraki’s reaction follows the filing of new charges by the Kwara State Government in connection with the deadly Offa robbery incident, which occurred in April 2018 and led to the deaths of several civilians and police officers.
In a statement, the former Senate President dismissed the charges as baseless and an attempt to malign his reputation. He maintained that previous investigations had already cleared him of any involvement in the robbery, insisting that resurrecting the case was a calculated political move rather than a pursuit of justice.
Saraki further accused the current administration in Kwara State of prioritizing political persecution over governance, alleging that the government had neglected more pressing security concerns affecting residents. He specifically pointed to what he described as the plight of over 400 victims of banditry in the state, arguing that authorities should focus on addressing insecurity rather than reviving old allegations.
The Offa robbery remains one of Nigeria’s most notorious criminal incidents in recent years, involving coordinated attacks on banks and a police station in Offa, Kwara State, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue as the case returns to court, with prosecutors alleging conspiracy and involvement in the events leading to the robbery. However, Saraki has reiterated his readiness to defend himself, expressing confidence that the judicial process will once again vindicate him.
The renewed legal battle is likely to intensify political tensions in Kwara State, as both sides exchange accusations over accountability, governance, and the handling of one of the state’s most tragic security incidents.