By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
The Kwara Governance Reform Group (KGRG) has urged that the ongoing discussions and renewed investigations surrounding the 2018 Offa robbery case should be handled strictly on the basis of law and not political sentiments, insisting that justice for victims must remain the priority.
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 prominent political figures to the case should be allowed to follow due legal process without interference or political interpretation.
“The Kwara Governance Reform Group has observed with keen interest recent developments surrounding the reopening of investigations into the Offa robbery case. Justice must prevail above politics,” she said.
The group referenced former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and two of their former aides, Olalekan Alabi and Baba Abdulwahab, who were reportedly mentioned in connection with fresh revelations linked to the incident.
The organisation alleged that rather than responding strictly through legal channels, some of those named had resorted to public commentary and political messaging.
“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,” Olanrewaju stated.
KGRG maintained that the renewed attention on the matter did not originate from any political vendetta by the state government, but from a formal petition reportedly submitted by the Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU) in October 2024, calling for a comprehensive investigation into all individuals mentioned in connection with the crime.
The group also cited the conviction of five suspects by the Kwara State High Court, presided over by Justice Haleema Salman, who sentenced them to death by hanging over their roles in the 2018 attack that reportedly claimed about 33 lives, including police officers.
According to KGRG, the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, in January 2026, upheld the convictions and sentences, further reinforcing the judicial process already underway.
“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 said.
It added that individuals mentioned in the course of investigations should take advantage of legal processes to clear their names rather than resorting to political narratives.
“What is expected is a direct response to grave allegations arising from investigations and statements attributed to convicted members of the robbery gang, not political grandstanding or attacks on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is neither the police nor the court,” the group noted.
KGRG also cautioned political actors, including members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against framing the matter as partisan persecution, warning that such actions could undermine justice.
“Turning a grave criminal matter into a platform for political solidarity undermines the cause of justice and sends a troubling signal that accountability is negotiable when powerful interests are involved,” Olanrewaju said.
The group stressed that the memory of victims of the Offa robbery case must remain central to all discussions, urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at uncovering the truth rather than obstructing investigations.
“At a time when violent crime and insecurity continue to threaten innocent lives, every sincere voice should support efforts to uncover criminal networks. The memory of the victims demands truth, accountability and justice; nothing less,” the statement added.
