Try Saraki, others, indicted in Offa bank robbery, ODU tells court
…alleges vehicles used for robbery were parked inside Government House
The Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Home Branch has called for a deeper investigation into the 2018 Offa bank robbery, insisting that the recent conviction of five suspects by the Kwara State High Court is incomplete without probing those named by the convicts as accomplices.
The ODU specifically urged authorities to investigate former Senate President Bukola Saraki and others whom the robbers allegedly identified as providing logistical and political support.
In a press conference held on Thursday at the ODU hall in Offa, Chief Tajudeen Lanre Shittu, Chairman of ODU Home Branch, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the case by the police.
He emphasized that while the community welcomed the conviction of the robbers, it remains “unsatisfied” with the scope of the investigation, which they believe failed to address all those involved in the crime.
“We categorically state that while the Offa community is grateful for the convictions, we remain unassuaged and dissatisfied with the police investigation. We consider it inconclusive and an attempt to shield those identified by the robbers during the probe,” Shittu said.
He further called for the arrest and thorough investigation of all individuals named by the convicted robbers. “We vehemently demand a comprehensive investigation and the arrest of those who provided logistics to the robbers. Every name mentioned by the convicted persons must be scrutinized to ensure proper justice is served,” he added.
The Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin, delivered its judgment on Thursday, September 26, 2024, convicting and sentencing to death by hanging all five suspects involved in the 2018 Offa bank robbery that claimed the lives of 33 people, including police officers and civilians. Despite this, the ODU believes the case remains incomplete without addressing allegations against other individuals who were allegedly involved.
The press conference was attended by key ODU executives, including Apostle Gabriel Kolawole, the Public Relations Officer; Mallam Hakeem Mudashiru, General Secretary; Hajia Jatto Sherifat Omolola, Social Secretary; and Oseni Tajudeen Olasunkami, Treasurer.
Shittu urged the Kwara State Government to revisit the case, launching a holistic investigation that covers all factors, personalities, and political influences connected to the incident. He emphasized that the current public perception of the investigation being “skewed” must be addressed.
“As much as we appreciate the conviction of the suspects, Offa as a community has serious reservations about the way the investigation was conducted by the police.
“While it pleases us that the culprits will face justice, we are concerned that some key individuals connected to the robbers were not brought to trial. We are committed to ensuring that full justice is achieved, including pursuing legal actions against those with links to the robbers,” Shittu said.
The Offa community was left devastated on April 5, 2018, when a group of armed robbers attacked banks in the town, killing 33 people in a gruesome massacre.
Despite the convictions of the primary suspects, the community insists that justice will not be fully served until all those involved in the crime, including those who allegedly provided support, are brought to account.
