Kwara APC and PDP clash as Saraki is cleared in Offa robbery case
A renewed political dispute has erupted in Kwara State over the 2018 Offa bank robbery, with the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party trading accusations. The APC claims that Bukola Saraki maintained ties with convicted offenders, while the PDP insists he has been cleared by federal authorities. Legal documents from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation have reportedly absolved Saraki of any wrongdoing. Both parties are leveraging the case to bolster their political positions ahead of the next general elections.
What we know
- The APC accused Bukola Saraki of longstanding connections with those convicted in the 2018 Offa robbery, calling the relationship politically motivated.
- The PDP dismissed the APC's claims, citing legal advice from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation that cleared Saraki of any involvement.
- Fresh criminal charges have been filed against Saraki, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and others, with a 20-count charge before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
- Legal opinions dated June 22 and August 23, 2018 from the Director of Public Prosecutions stated there was no evidence linking Saraki to the crime.
- Five defendants were convicted and sentenced to death by the Kwara State High Court in September 2024, with the verdict upheld by the Court of Appeal in January 2026; the case is now pending before the Supreme Court.
