“New Evidence Links Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case” — Kwara Government

The Kwara State Government says it has obtained fresh evidence it claims links former Senate President Bukola Saraki and others to the 2018 Offa armed robbery case, insisting the allegations must now be tested in court.

Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the government’s position is based on what it described as material already in its possession.

“New evidence is available to the government, and it will be properly tested before the courts,” she said.

She added that the accused persons have the right to defend themselves in court and should take advantage of that process.

The development follows the filing of a 20-count charge dated April 9, 2026, naming Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Yusuf Abdulwahab, and Alabi Olalekan Ahmed. The allegations border on claims of support and provision of arms to individuals linked to the robbery.

The government said some of the evidence includes items allegedly recovered from the Government House in 2018 and later presented during earlier proceedings involving convicted suspects.

One of the convicted figures, Ayo Akinnibosun, had previously made statements during trial referencing alleged links to political actors.

Saraki has denied the allegations, describing the charges as politically driven and intended to damage his reputation under the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

Responding to that claim, Olukoju rejected suggestions of political motivation.

“No responsible government ought to turn a blind eye to the evidence available to it. People have been prosecuted for less,” she said.

She also stressed that the role of determining guilt rests solely with the courts.

“No prosecutor determines guilt; that is the exclusive function of the court. The state has no interest in witch-hunt or victimisation,” she added.

The government maintains that ignoring the evidence would amount to neglect of duty, while the accused persons are expected to respond to the charges in court.