A former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has advised the Kwara State Government to reconsider its decision to file criminal charges against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over the 2018 Offa robbery.
Sani’s warning comes amid renewed controversy surrounding the deadly attack that shook Kwara State eight years ago and left dozens of people dead.
The Kwara State Government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, recently initiated a 20-count charge against Saraki and former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. The charges are linked to allegations that they supplied arms to individuals convicted for their roles in the Offa robbery.
The Offa robbery, which occurred on April 5, 2018, remains one of the most violent incidents in Nigeria’s recent history. Armed robbers attacked several banks and a police station in Offa, a town in Kwara State, killing 33 people.
Among the victims were 12 police officers and a pregnant woman, making the attack particularly shocking and drawing national outrage.
The incident led to a major investigation by security agencies, with several suspects arrested and charged in court.
In September 2024, a High Court in Kwara State convicted five individuals for their roles in the robbery. Those found guilty included Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran.
They were convicted on charges including illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.
Despite the earlier convictions, the Kwara State Government has now taken further steps by filing new charges against Saraki, Ahmed, and others.
Also named in the case are Yusuf Abdulwahab, a former Chief of Staff to Ahmed, and Alabi Olalekan, another former aide.
The government alleges that the defendants provided arms to the convicted robbers, a claim that has reopened political and legal debates in the state.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting the effort to ensure full accountability, while others see it as politically motivated.
Reacting to the development, Saraki strongly denied the allegations and criticised the state government’s action.
He described the charges as a “desperate ploy by a drowning politician” and accused the government of taking politics too far.
Saraki’s response reflects the long-standing political rivalry in Kwara State, where power struggles between different camps have often shaped public discourse.
In his reaction, Shehu Sani urged Governor AbdulRazaq to exercise caution and reconsider the decision to prosecute Saraki and others.
Writing on social media, Sani appealed to the governor, whom he described as a friend and brother, to drop the charges.
“I wish to appeal to the Governor of Kwara State… to drop the idea of filing a criminal charge against Senator Bukola Saraki and others over the 2018 Offa robbery incident,” he said.
Sani warned that such actions could have unintended consequences and may not serve the public interest.
Drawing from his personal experience, he said he had once faced multiple legal cases which he believed were politically motivated.
“I had the experience of being framed and dragged to five different High Courts… Power should be exercised with caution. Tomorrow is not far from today,” he added.
The latest development has raised questions about the balance between justice and politics in Nigeria.
While the government has a duty to investigate and prosecute crimes, critics argue that such actions must be based on strong evidence and free from political influence.
The case is also likely to have political implications in Kwara State, where Saraki remains a significant figure.
As a former Senate President and influential politician, his involvement in the case has drawn widespread attention.
For many Nigerians, the focus remains on justice for the victims of the Offa robbery.
Families of those who lost their lives continue to seek closure, while the public expects accountability for all those involved in the attack.
The fresh charges may be seen by some as an effort to uncover the full truth, but others worry that prolonged legal battles could distract from the original goal of justice.
As the case moves forward, attention will be on how the courts handle the new charges and whether the evidence presented will stand up to scrutiny.
The Kwara State Government has yet to provide detailed public explanations of the evidence behind the allegations, leaving many questions unanswered.
Meanwhile, Sani’s call for caution highlights the sensitive nature of the case and the need for careful handling.
The renewed focus on the Offa robbery case presents a test for Nigeria’s justice system.
It raises important issues about accountability, fairness, and the role of politics in legal matters.
As events unfold, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the process leads to greater clarity and justice, or further controversy.
For now, the debate continues, with strong opinions on all sides and the memory of the 2018 tragedy still fresh in the minds of many.