Offa Bank Robbery: Kwara Govt Drops 18 Charges Against Saraki, Ahmed
The Kwara State government has filed an amended charge sheet in the Offa bank robbery case, dropping 18 of the initial 28 charges against ex-governors, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed. The development comes as the prosecution team continues to face legal challenges in its bid to proceed with the trial of the two former governors over the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident.
Background: Offa Bank Robbery Case
The Offa bank robbery incident occurred in April 2018, when armed robbers stormed several banks in the Kwara State town of Offa, Nigeria, leading to the death of 38 people, including bank staff and customers. Saraki and Ahmed are accused of complicity in the crime.
Amended Charge Sheet
- The amended charge sheet, filed on November 6, 2026, now lists 10 charges against the two former governors.
- The charges include conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to murder, and criminal conspiracy.
- The government dropped 18 of the initial 28 charges, including conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to steal.
Government's Argument
According to the amended charge sheet, the prosecution team argued that the evidence presented against the accused did not establish a reasonable case against them.
Former Governors' Lawyer's Response
The defense team, led by Femi Falana (SAN), has reacted to the amended charge sheet, stating that the prosecution team has "failed to present any concrete evidence against their clients."
Offa Bank Robbery Case: Continued Legal Challenges
The Offa bank robbery case has been marred by legal challenges since its inception. The prosecution team has faced several setbacks, including the withdrawal of a petition filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the accused.
Saraki & Ahmed's Legal Team
The defense team has maintained that the former governors are innocent and will prove their innocence in court.
Continued Legal Challenges Affecting the Case
The ongoing legal battles have had a significant impact on the case, as it has led to the postponement of the trial multiple times.
Speaking to Vanguard News
Speaking to Vanguard News, Femi Falana (SAN), one of the defense lawyers, stated that the prosecution team has failed to present any concrete evidence against his clients.
The Offa Bank Robbery Case: A Continuing Saga
The Offa bank robbery case has become a recurring saga, with the prosecution team facing several setbacks, including the withdrawal of a petition filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the accused.
Kwara State Government's Amended Charge
- The Kwara State Government filed an amended charge sheet on November 6, 2026, dropping 18 of the original 20 charges against Dr. Bukola Saraki and Alhaji Abdulwahab Abdulrazaq.
- The charges dropped include conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to murder, and conspiracy to steal.
- The new charges added are conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to murder.
Saraki & Ahmed's Lawyer's Statement
Speaking to Vanguard News, Femi Falana (SAN), one of the defense lawyers, stated that his clients have been denied their day in court due to the prosecution team's inability to present concrete evidence against them.
Offa Bank Robbery Case: A Test of the Judicial System
The Offa bank robbery case has become a test of the judicial system, as the prosecution team has faced several setbacks, including the withdrawal of a petition filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the accused.
Kwara State Government's Amended Charge
- The Kwara State Government filed an amended charge sheet on November 6, 2026, dropping 18 of the original 20 charges against Dr. Bukola Saraki and Alhaji Abdulwahab Abdulrazaq.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
