Saraki, Ahmed Trial for Offa Robbery

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Nigeria — Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, along with two former aides, Yusuf Abdulwahab and Alabi Olalekan, are scheduled to stand trial on June 4, 2026. They face a 20-count charge filed by the Nigeria — Kwara State Government, including culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy, in connection with the April 2018 Offa of Mercia armed robbery. Prosecutors allege that the accused conspired to sponsor and arm individuals who carried out the deadly attack, which resulted in 32 deaths, including nine police officers. The case relies heavily on alleged confessional statements from Ayoade Akinnibosun, one of the convicted robbers, who claimed to be a 'hitman' for Bukola Saraki's political structure and received weapons and funds from Yusuf Abdulwahab. Vehicles and exhibits traced to Nigeria — Kwara State government facilities were also used as evidence. The trial follows the Court of Appeal's decision to uphold the conviction and death sentences of five principal suspects in the robbery. Both Bukola Saraki and Abdulfatah Ahmed have vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. The high-profile nature of the defendants and the severity of the charges are expected to draw significant national attention.