Nathaniel Irobi
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed sadness over the fresh criminal charges filed against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed in connection with the 2018 Offa armed robbery incident.
In a post on his official social media handle, Sani described the development as a painful reminder of the price opposition politicians often pay in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Sad to hear that Senator Saraki and others are charged for the 2018 Offa robbery. Opposition always comes with a price,” Sani wrote.
Drawing from his personal experience during his time in Kaduna State, the former lawmaker recounted how he faced multiple court cases as a result of his political stance.
“During my time in Kaduna, I’ll wake up in the morning not knowing which of the courts to go; from civil cases filed against me to criminal cases in different courts,” he revealed.
Sani further recalled that the magistrate who granted bail to one of his aides was sacked for granting bail, adding that “whatever you see happening today has happened yesterday.”
The outspoken politician concluded his message with a prayer for Saraki, saying, “I pray that you don’t have a taste of the bitter side of power.”
Spear News Nigeria earlier reported that Kwara State Government filed a 20-count charge against Saraki, Ahmed, and two others — Yusuf Abdulwahab, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Ahmed, and Alabi Olalekan, a former political aide.
The charges include criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Penal Code, and providing support to convicted offenders.
The case specifically references the killing of Inspector Oanjuma Yusuf during the April 2018 attack, in which armed robbers raided five commercial banks in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State. At least 32 persons, including nine police officers, were killed in the coordinated attack.
The prosecution’s case is built on confessional statements from convicted principal suspect Ayo Akinnibosun, who reportedly admitted to being a “hitman” operating within a political structure tied to Saraki’s dynasty.
Two AK-47 rifles allegedly received from Abdulwahab ahead of a political congress, a Toyota Lexus SUV bearing Saraki’s number plate, and vehicles traced to the Kwara State Government House are also listed as exhibits.
The defendants are expected to be arraigned on June 4, 2026, before Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin. The charge was filed on April 9, 2026, by the Attorney-General of Kwara State, Ibrahim Sulyman, SAN.
Saraki has consistently denied any involvement, describing the fresh charges as politically motivated and an “abuse of court process.” He maintained that he has “nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter whatsoever,” citing two separate legal opinions from the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2018 that reportedly cleared him. Saraki further alleged that the renewed case was orchestrated by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq following his recent criticism of the state government’s handling of insecurity.
“Therefore, I am under no illusion that this case was a frivolous move and an abuse of court process to embarrass my person. My legal team will definitely meet this Governor in court,” Saraki said.
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