By Ejire Folakunmi
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has denied any link to the 2018 Offa robbery incident, describing fresh allegations against him as politically motivated and an abuse of court process.
Saraki, in a detailed statement, said he had no direct or indirect involvement in the robbery or any criminal activity, insisting that previous investigations had already cleared his name.
He alleged that the case was initially orchestrated during the administration of former Pres. Muhammadu Buhari as part of a political plot to weaken his influence in Kwara State ahead of the 2019 elections.
According to him, investigations conducted by the police and legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecution in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation found no evidence linking him to the crime. He cited two legal opinions dated June 22, 2018, and Aug. 23, 2018, which concluded that no prima facie case could be established against him.
Saraki noted that suspects charged in connection with the Offa robbery were convicted at trial and on appeal, with the matter currently before the Supreme Court.
Reacting to the renewed allegations, Saraki accused Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of attempting to revive what he described as “baseless charges” following his recent criticism of insecurity in the state.
He further alleged that the governor’s actions, including circulating documents in the media before formally serving defendants, were aimed at misleading the public and damaging his reputation.
The former Senate President described the move as a “frivolous” and politically driven attempt to harass him, adding that his legal team is prepared to challenge the case in court.
Saraki also criticised the state government’s handling of security, claiming that over 400 lives had been lost to banditry between Jan. 2025 and March 2026, with more than 100 people reportedly kidnapped within the period.
He argued that rather than addressing insecurity, the governor was focused on pursuing political battles against predecessors.
Despite the development, Saraki expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that the courts would ultimately determine the facts and dismiss what he described as unfounded allegations.
