By Folayimika Akanbi
A nongovernmental organization, Kwara Governance Reform Group has challenged indicted persons in the 2018 Offa robbery incident to employ lawful response to the allegations against them rather than exhibiting political grandstanding.
The group faulted some political actors for portraying the issue as persecution, saying such narratives undermine justice and accountability.
The group’s Organising Secretary, Queen Latifah Olarewaju-Arewa, at a press conference in Ilorin, said recent developments in the case should be viewed as a legal process aimed at ensuring accountability for the victims.
“What is expected of those mentioned is not political grandstanding, but lawful response to grave allegations arising from investigations and statements attributed to convicted members of the robbery gang,” she noted.
Olarewaju-Arewa said justice should be allowed to prevail over politics in the renewed investigation into the the deadly incident, warning against attempts to politicise the matter.
She explained that fresh revelations linking former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and others to the crime had revived calls for further investigation, stressing that those named should submit to due process to clear their names.
Olarewaju-Arewa said, “The renewed attention on the matter did not arise from political vendetta but followed a petition reportedly submitted by the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) to the Kwara Government on Oct. 3, 2024, seeking investigation of persons allegedly mentioned by convicted robbers.”
She maintained that the petition was sequel to the judgment of Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara High Court, which convicted and sentenced five suspects to death for their roles in the robbery that claimed 33 lives, including police officers.
Olarewaju-Arewa added that the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the convictions in January 2026 further strengthened calls for all persons linked to the crime to face due process.
The group urged stakeholders to support efforts to uncover criminal networks rather than obstruct investigations, insisting that justice for the 33 victims of the Offa robbery must not be sacrificed for political convenience.
“We are demanding justice for the 33 victims of the Offa robbery. The memory of the victims demands truth, accountability and justice , nothing less,” she said.
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