Saraki, Ex-Governor Ahmed Face Culpable Homicide Charges Over 2018 Offa Robbery

By Emmanuel Kwada

Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki and former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed will stand trial on June 4, 2026, on a 20-count charge bordering on culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, and other serious offences linked to the deadly 2018 Offa armed robbery that claimed dozens of lives.

The Kwara State Government has formally filed the charges against Saraki, Ahmed, Yusuf Abdulwahab (former Chief of Staff to Ahmed), and Alabi Olalekan (a former aide).

The four defendants are scheduled to be arraigned before Hon. Justice Haleemah Salman of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, on Wednesday, June 4, 2026. The case bears the charge number KWS/114C/26.

The charges stem from the bloody April 5, 2018, armed robbery attack in Offa, which resulted in the deaths of several people, including police officers and civilians. Prosecutors allege that the accused armed and sponsored some of the convicted robbers who carried out the operation.

Key evidence cited by the state includes confessions from Ayo Akinnibosun, one of the convicted robbers, who reportedly described himself as a “hit man” within Saraki’s political structure.

Akinnibosun allegedly claimed he received two AK-47 rifles from Yusuf Abdulwahab two days before a congress election, along with a Toyota Lexus 300 Jeep bearing Saraki’s number plate and cash for “empowerment.”

He further stated that he led a group of political thugs working for both Saraki and Ahmed.

According to the prosecution, Akinnibosun and his men escorted Saraki to Offa for a condolence visit shortly after the robbery.

Vehicles and other exhibits linked to the crime were reportedly recovered from the Kwara State Government House and a government ministry in 2018.

The Court of Appeal had earlier upheld the conviction and death sentences of Akinnibosun and other principal suspects involved in the Offa incident.

Saraki has consistently denied any involvement in the robbery, describing the renewed case as a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at destroying his political career and influence in Kwara State.

Supporters of the former Senate President have labelled the charges as an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state to settle political scores.

The trial is expected to draw intense national attention due to the high profile of the defendants and the sensitive nature of the 2018 Offa robbery, which remains one of the most notorious violent crimes in recent Nigerian history.

Legal experts anticipate fierce courtroom battles, with possible death penalties if the defendants are convicted on the culpable homicide counts. The case could also have significant political implications ahead of future elections in Kwara State.

Further details on the full charge sheet and expected responses from the defence are expected to emerge as the June 4 arraignment date approaches.