Saraki Accuses Kwara Governor of Desperate Political Maneuvering Over Offa Robbery Case
Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has launched a scathing attack on Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, describing him as "a desperate drowning politician whose popularity and acceptability is at the lowest ebb." The accusation comes amid allegations that the state government is attempting to reopen the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident against Saraki, despite previous investigations that cleared him of involvement.
Political Motivation Behind Case Reopening
In a personally signed statement released on Friday, Saraki vehemently denied any connection to the robbery, stating he had "nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever." He characterized the government's actions as "a desperate ploy by a drowning politician" aimed at political blackmail rather than genuine justice.
The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) echoed these sentiments during a press conference, accusing Governor AbdulRazaq of attempting to politicize the long-concluded Offa robbery case to distract from governance failures. PDP State Publicity Secretary Olusegun Adewara described the development as "disturbing, insensitive, and a dangerous attempt to reopen old wounds for political gain."
Judicial History and Legal Clearance
Adewara emphasized that the 2018 Offa robbery incident had already undergone full judicial scrutiny, with legal authorities previously clearing Saraki of wrongdoing. He referenced legal advisories from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) that found no evidence linking Saraki to the crime.
"For the Senate President and the Kwara State Governor, this office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects," Adewara quoted from one advisory. Another excerpt 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."
The PDP spokesman noted that suspects in the robbery had already been prosecuted and convicted, with appellate courts affirming judgments, and the matter is currently before the Supreme Court. He challenged the state government to present complete legal documents rather than relying on "selective and misleading narratives."
Growing Political Tensions in Kwara
Adewara linked the governor's actions to what he described as waning influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and growing public dissatisfaction with governance. "It is evident that Governor Abdulrazaq is now overwhelmed and has lost grip of leadership within the APC in Kwara State. Even within his party, there is growing discontent over his failure to address worsening insecurity," he stated.
The PDP spokesman pointed to recent party rallies across Kwara State as evidence of resurgent public support for the opposition party. "The governor's desperation is not unconnected with the massive resurgence of the PDP across Kwara State. The unprecedented turnout at our recent rallies has clearly debunked the claim that the PDP is dead," Adewara explained.
Security Concerns and Call for Restraint
The PDP warned against what it called "weaponization of tragedy for political purposes" and urged Offa residents, particularly families affected by the robbery, not to be drawn into political conflict. "It is both unreasonable and illogical to associate a statesman of Dr. Saraki's standing with such a heinous crime," Adewara asserted.
The party called on security agencies to monitor developments closely, alleging that the situation could heighten political tension in the state. "We hereby place security agencies on notice. The governor's actions appear capable of generating unnecessary tension and disorder," Adewara added, specifically addressing the Commissioner of Police and Department of State Services in Kwara State.
Legal Developments and Charges
Meanwhile, reports indicate the state government has officially filed a 20-count charge against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed over their alleged arming of top suspects convicted in the April 2018 robbery. Additional suspects named include Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmed Yusuf Abdulwahab and another aide, Alabi Olalekan.
The trial, with charge number KWS/114C/26, comes after the Court of Appeal upheld convictions of suspects including Ayo Akinnibosun, who reportedly confessed during trial to being a hitman for Saraki's political dynasty. Saraki and others face charges including culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy and will be arraigned before Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
Saraki maintains the state government is deliberately plotting to ruin him politically by linking him to the robbery. The PDP concluded its press conference with calls for restraint, accountability, and respect for judicial records in public discourse, insisting Kwara must not be plunged into crisis for political reasons.
