The Kwara State Government has filed criminal charges against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed in connection with allegations relating to the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident.
According to court documents filed at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on April 9, 2026, the two former top officials, along with former aides Yusuf Abdulwahab and Alabi Olalekan, are facing a 20-count charge.
The charges also name several other individuals who have already been convicted in earlier proceedings.
The state alleges that the accused persons conspired in 2018 to commit armed robbery attacks on multiple bank branches in Offa, including Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank, Ecobank, Union Bank, and Zenith Bank. The charge sheet further states that the defendants were involved in armed robbery and the use of firearms and explosives during the incidents.
The prosecution claims the offences are punishable under Nigeria’s Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.
The Offa robbery incident, which occurred on April 5, 2018, resulted in the deaths of 33 people, including civilians and police officers, according to earlier reports.
In September 2024, a Kwara State High Court convicted five suspects of offences including armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide. The Court of Appeal later upheld their convictions in January.
Following the incident in 2018, police authorities had questioned Saraki and alleged that one of the convicted gang leaders claimed political links. Saraki has consistently denied any involvement in the attack.
Saraki served as Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011 and later as Senate President from 2015 to 2019. Abdulfatah Ahmed succeeded him as governor, serving from 2011 to 2019.
The case is expected to continue in court as the accused are set to respond to the charges.
