…Says victims deserve justice
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), under the aegis of Kwara Governance Reform Group (KGRG), has cautioned against politicising the renewed investigation into the 2018 Offa bank robbery matter, insisting that justice for the victims must take precedent over political interests.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Arewa Queen Latifah Olanrewaju, said recent developments linking former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and two of their former aides to the deadly robbery incident demand sober reflection and strict adherence to due process.
The group noted that instead of addressing the allegations through legal channels, Saraki had allegedly resorted to media campaigns and political messaging aimed at portraying the situation as political persecution and vendetta.
“Rather than preparing to submit himself to due legal process to clear his name, Senator Saraki has chosen to resort to media campaigns, using political affiliates to cast the matter as political persecution,” Olanrewaju said.
She stressed that the renewed probe was not driven by political vendetta but stemmed from a formal petition by the Offa Descendants’ Union in October 2024, which called for further investigation into individuals mentioned during the trial of convicted robbers.
According to her, the demand for accountability gained legal backing following the judgment of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced five suspects to death for their roles in the robbery that left at least 33 people dead, including security personnel.
“That position gained further weight when the Court of Appeal in Ilorin upheld the convictions and sentences in January 2026. With proceedings still alive, there is no basis to suggest that those indicted cannot face trial,” she added.
Olanrewaju emphasised that statements implicating prominent figures were made by convicted criminals during investigations and not by the state government, urging those named to take advantage of the legal process to defend themselves.
“What is expected at this point is not political grandstanding but a direct response to the grave allegations. This is an opportunity for those named to clear their names through lawful means,” she said.
The group also warned political actors, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party, against framing the matter as partisan persecution, noting that such narratives could undermine justice.
“Turning a grave criminal matter into a platform for political solidarity undermines the cause of justice and sends a troubling signal that accountability is negotiable,” Olanrewaju stated.
She further linked the case to broader security concerns, saying efforts to uncover criminal networks must be supported amid rising cases of violent crime, arms proliferation and kidnappings.
“The memory of the victims of Offa robbery demands truth, accountability and justice; nothing less,” she said.
