Two separate legal opinions issued in 2018 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) concluded that there was no evidence linking former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to the deadly Offa robbery incident.

The legal advice, dated June 22 and August 23, 2018, was signed by Mohammed U.E., Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, on behalf of then Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Background: The Offa Robbery

On April 5, 2018, armed robbers attacked multiple banks and a police station in Offa, Kwara State, killing 33 people, including police officers and a pregnant woman. The incident led to the arrest of several suspects, including alleged gang leader Ayoade Akinnibosun.

Police initially alleged that members of the gang were political thugs linked to Saraki, claiming they received vehicles and financial support through aides of former Kwara governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed. Saraki was subsequently invited for questioning.

OAGF Findings
In its first legal advice, the OAGF stated it could not establish any connection between Saraki, Ahmed, and the robbery based on available evidence. It recommended further investigation to determine whether either individual had knowledge of or involvement in the crime.

The advice specifically noted the absence of proof that weapons used in the attack were supplied by Saraki or Ahmed, or that they aided or abetted the crime.

A second legal opinion issued in August 2018 reaffirmed the earlier position, stating there was still no prima facie case against Saraki for offences including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, or culpable homicide.

Recommendations and Prosecution
The OAGF advised that one of the aides, Alabi Olalekan, be charged separately for illegal possession of firearms, while stating that there was insufficient credible evidence to prosecute Yusuf Abdulwahab.

The police were also directed to transfer the case file to the Kwara State Attorney-General for further prosecution.

Subsequent Developments
In September 2024, a Kwara State High Court convicted five defendants linked to the Offa robbery, sentencing them to death. The convictions were upheld by the Court of Appeal in January 2025.

More recently, the Kwara State Government filed fresh charges against Saraki and Ahmed over alleged links to the incident. Saraki has denied the allegations, accusing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of attempting to tarnish his image.

Saraki served as governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011 and as Senate President from 2015 to 2019, while Ahmed succeeded him as governor from 2011 to 2019.