0
0
By Abdullah Ahmed
Group Demands Justice for 33 Offa Robbery Victims, Rejects Political Influence in Probe
A civil society organisation, the Kwara Governance Reform Group (KGRG), has urged that justice must take precedence over political considerations in the renewed investigation into the 2018 Offa robbery, insisting that all individuals linked to the incident should be subjected to due legal process.
Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ilorin on Friday, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Arewa Queen Latifah Olanrewaju, cautioned against reducing the matter to political theatrics.
She noted that recent developments in the case have again drawn in former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and two of their former aides, stressing that the allegations must be addressed through lawful means rather than media narratives.
KGRG said the reopening of the case followed fresh revelations and longstanding calls for accountability over the robbery attack, which claimed at least 33 lives, including police officers.
The group expressed concern that Saraki had allegedly resorted to media campaigns instead of directly responding to the allegations.
“Rather than submitting himself to due legal process to clear his name, Senator Saraki has chosen to deploy media campaigns, using political affiliates to portray the matter as persecution,” the group stated, warning that such actions risk politicising a serious criminal.
It clarified that the renewed attention on the case was not driven by any government vendetta, noting that the Offa Descendants’ Union had petitioned the Kwara State Government as far back as October 3, 2024, seeking investigation of individuals named by convicted robbers.
The group added that calls for further investigation gained momentum after the Kwara State High Court, presided over by Justice Haleema Salman, convicted and sentenced five suspects to death for their roles in the attack.
According to KGRG, the Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin reaffirmed the judgment in January 2026, upholding convictions on charges including armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide.
“With proceedings still ongoing at the Supreme Court, there is no legal or moral basis to suggest that those indicted during investigations cannot face trial,” the group said.
It urged Saraki and others mentioned in the case to take advantage of the legal process to clear their names, rather than criticising Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq or framing the issue as political persecution.
“What is expected at this point is a direct response to the grave allegations arising from the investigation and statements attributed to convicted members of the robbery gang,” it added.
KGRG also cautioned political actors, particularly aspirants within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against turning the issue into a partisan contest, warning that such actions could undermine the pursuit of justice.
“Turning a grave criminal matter into a platform for political solidarity undermines justice and sends a troubling signal that accountability is negotiable,” the group said.
The organisation emphasised that amid rising concerns over violent crimes, arms proliferation, and kidnappings, stakeholders must support efforts to dismantle criminal networks rather than obstruct justice.
It concluded that the memory of the victims of the Offa robbery demands truth and accountability, stressing that justice must not be sacrificed for political convenience.
