Offa Robbery: KGRG, Ilorin Youths Insist Justice Must Not Be Politicised, Allege Political Motive in Renewed Case

 

The Kwara Governance Reform Group (KGRG) has called for restraint and respect for judicial processes in the ongoing discussions surrounding the reopening of investigations into the 2018 Offa bank robbery, insisting that justice for victims must not be derailed by political narratives.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ilorin on Friday, April 24, 2026, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Arewa Queen Latifah Olanrewaju, said recent developments linking some political figures to the case should be handled strictly within the ambit of the law.

The group noted that the case, which left at least 33 people dead, including police officers, remains one of the most painful criminal incidents in Kwara State’s history and must not be reduced to political propaganda.

According to KGRG, “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 persecution and to blackmail the Kwara State Government, as has often been the pattern whenever legal scrutiny arises.”

The group maintained that attempts to frame the renewed attention on the case as a political witch-hunt were misleading, stressing that the process was triggered by a petition from stakeholders.

KGRG explained that the Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU), in October 2024, formally requested the Kwara State Government to investigate individuals allegedly mentioned in connection with the robbery following revelations from convicted suspects.

It further referenced the ruling of Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced five suspects to death by hanging for their roles in the 2018 incident, as well as the January 2026 decision of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, which upheld the convictions.

“With proceedings still alive at the Supreme Court, there is no legal or moral basis to suggest that those indicted in the course of investigation cannot face trial,” the group stated.

KGRG stressed that individuals mentioned in the course of investigations should focus on clearing their names through lawful means rather than engaging in political attacks.

“What is expected at this point is not political grandstanding or attacks on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is neither the police nor the court, but a direct response to the grave allegations arising from the investigation,” Olanrewaju said.

She added that the statements under reference were made by convicted criminals who had already been tried by competent courts.

The group also cautioned political actors, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against framing the matter as partisan persecution.

“We urge political actors, particularly aspirants under the PDP who have rushed to frame this issue as partisan persecution, to rethink their posture. Turning a grave criminal matter into a platform for political solidarity undermines the cause of justice,” the statement read.

KGRG emphasised that the pursuit of justice for the victims should remain the priority, especially at a time when violent crimes and insecurity remain major concerns across the country.

“The memory of the victims of Offa robbery demands truth, accountability and justice; nothing less,” the group declared.

It concluded by urging all stakeholders to allow due process to take its full course without interference, insisting that only the courts can ultimately determine culpability in the matter.

Ilorin Youths, Residents Allege Political Motive in Renewed Offa Robbery Case

Meanwhile,  a coalition of youths and residents from Ilorin Emirate, alongside members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns over what they described as a renewed political move to link former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to the Offa robbery incident.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ilorin West PDP Chairman, Abdulkadiri Issa, and Kwara State PDP Youth Leader, Adio Odunjo, argued that the resurfacing of the case appears politically motivated rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

The group expressed worry that a tragic episode in the state’s history was being revisited not to provide closure for affected families, but to serve political interests.

“A tragedy that brought pain and grief to families in Offa is now being brought back into public discourse, not for justice, but for political propaganda aimed at discrediting an individual,” the statement read.

They questioned the timing of the renewed attention, maintaining that all legal processes related to the case had been concluded.

“Why is a matter that has been investigated, reviewed, and concluded through due legal processes being resurrected? This is not about justice; it is about politics and a desperate attempt to control the political space,” they added.

Referencing earlier investigations, the group noted that the Nigeria Police Force had handled the case, while the Director of Public Prosecution reportedly found no connection between Saraki and the robbery.

“Suspects were charged, trials conducted, and judgments delivered and upheld on appeal. So, what exactly is the government trying to achieve now?” they queried.

The coalition also criticised the state government for allegedly prioritising political issues over pressing security concerns in parts of Kwara State.

“Communities are grappling with real security threats, and families are anxious, yet the government appears more focused on political distractions. That is not governance; it is diversion,” the group said.

They described Saraki as a prominent political figure with notable contributions to Kwara State and Nigeria, cautioning against attempts to tarnish his reputation over matters they claim had been legally resolved.

“You may disagree with him politically, but attempts to malign his name with unsubstantiated allegations are unacceptable. We will not remain silent,”