New details have emerged suggesting that the Federal Government previously found no link between former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident in Kwara State, according to reports.
The development comes amid renewed legal proceedings initiated by the Kwara State Government, which recently filed fresh charges against Saraki and former governor Abdulfattah Ahmed in connection with the deadly attack.
Reports cited by The Tribune indicate that the conclusion was reached after legal and investigative reviews conducted at the federal level. The process reportedly involved the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, who assessed police investigation files submitted by the Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team.
A 16-page investigation report covering the April 5, 2018 armed robbery in Offa, which resulted in multiple deaths, was reviewed during the process.
In a legal advice dated June 22, 2018, the DPP stated that there was insufficient evidence linking Saraki and the then governor to the crime. The document noted: “for the Senate President (Saraki) and the Kwara State governor (Ahmed), his office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects. Hence, it is our advice that further and thorough investigation in this regard be carried out.”
A subsequent review of additional findings in July 2018 reportedly led to a second legal advice issued on August 23, 2018. The conclusion remained unchanged regarding Saraki’s alleged involvement.
The document further stated: “with regards to the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, since there is no departure from the earlier findings in the interim report, this office is still unable to establish any prima facie case against him for any offences of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide punishable with death.”
Following the review, six suspects were recommended for prosecution. One of them later died in custody, while others were tried and convicted at the High Court in Ilorin. The convictions were upheld by the Court of Appeal, with the case now pending before the Supreme Court.
Some of the accused persons reportedly told the court they were pressured to implicate Saraki, alleging inducements such as promises of money and travel opportunities, though the trial proceeded regardless.
The case has continued to generate political reactions, with the APC elders’ caucus in Kwara Central advising Saraki to address the matter in court rather than in the media.
The group also expressed support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, saying the renewed legal action reflects efforts to ensure accountability and justice for victims of the Offa robbery.
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