The Kwara State Government has dismissed claims that legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) clears former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, of alleged involvement in the 2018 Offa robbery incident, insisting that only the court can determine his culpability.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoya, the government said it would not engage Saraki in public exchanges, noting that the matter is already before a competent court of law.

The reaction follows Saraki’s recent remarks describing the fresh criminal charges against him as politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his image.

On April 17, the state government filed a 20-count charge against Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, alongside Yusuf Abdulwahab, a former Chief of Staff, and Alabi Olalekan, an aide, over allegations bordering on arms supply to suspects linked to the robbery.

Background to the Offa robbery case

The incident, which occurred on April 5, 2018, saw coordinated attacks on several banks and a police station in Offa, Kwara State, leaving 33 persons dead, including 12 police officers.

Following investigations, five suspects were convicted in September 2024 for armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and culpable homicide, and were subsequently sentenced to death. The Court of Appeal upheld the judgment in January 2026, while the matter is now before the Supreme Court.

Allegations and counterclaims

Authorities allege that confessional statements by the convicted persons linked Saraki and other political office holders to the armed robbery gang, claiming they received logistical and financial support through government channels.

The state government further stated that some of the convicts alleged that a vehicle used in the operation was concealed within government premises before being recovered by investigators.

It also referenced claims that one of the convicted suspects was seen on Saraki’s convoy during a condolence visit to Offa and appeared in photographs with him at a separate event.

However, Saraki has consistently denied any connection to the robbery or the suspects, insisting that earlier investigations cleared him of wrongdoing.

DPP advice not an exoneration — Kwara Govt

Responding to Saraki’s reliance on two DPP legal opinions issued in 2018, the Kwara government argued that the documents did not exonerate him but merely recommended further investigation at the time.

It stressed that the authority to prosecute offences committed within the state lies with the state Attorney-General, and not federal agencies, adding that the advice predated court proceedings and subsequent convictions.

“Even if it were otherwise, in the overall context it would be of little or no value or relevance to the present charges,” the statement read.

The government maintained that it had a constitutional responsibility to act on credible evidence, regardless of the status or influence of those allegedly involved.

‘Defend yourself in court’

Reaffirming its position, the state government said no responsible administration would ignore allegations emerging from judicial proceedings, especially where convicted persons had made statements implicating high-profile individuals.

It added that the filing of charges does not amount to a declaration of guilt, stressing that only the court is empowered to make such determination.

“Those affected remain fully entitled to defend themselves in court, and we urge them to do so within the judicial process rather than the public space,” the statement added.

The case is expected to continue as proceedings progress before the court.