Politicians in Offa, Kwara State, made a dramatic confession at the weekend, claiming the Offa bank robbery was deliberately linked to former Senate President Bukola Saraki to settle political scores. They absolved him of complicity in the 2018 attack, in which more than 25 people, including policemen, were killed.
The Kwara State government is currently prosecuting Saraki, a former governor, for allegedly sponsoring the robbery.
Offa Bank Robbery: Popoola Says “I Regret Fighting Saraki”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kwara South Senatorial District, Saheed Popoola, said he aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to play a key role in the O to ge movement that removed Saraki from power.
Speaking at the palace of the Olofa of Offa during the PDP’s Kwara South tour, led by Saraki, Popoola described his support for the APC as regrettable. He said many people wove lies against Saraki because of political differences.
He added that most top political players backed the O to ge movement and the APC in the hope of better development, only to be disappointed by the present government.
“I regret fighting Saraki because I was misinformed during the Otoge struggle,” he said. “All the money in the entire banks in Offa and Ilorin put together is not enough for Saraki to spend in three days.”
Popoola argued the robbery could not have involved Saraki but for political interest and a calculated move to tarnish his image. “A dead issue of Offa robbery has been reawakened just because of politics,” he said.
Offa Bank Robbery Confession: Awoyale Says “I Must Fight This Government”
The convener of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, said he was among those who led the Otoge campaign and brought the APC to the limelight. “Now, I and many others regret our actions and deeds,” he said.
“For the sake of my conscience, I must fight this government. God and the unborn generations will not forgive us all if we don’t rise against it,” he added.
He said no fewer than 30 monarchs in the state have abdicated their thrones over insecurity, while 25 communities have become desolate. Even the man contesting the House of Representatives slot in Ifelodun, his community has been sacked by bandits,” he said.
Saraki Asks Olofa For 2027 Support After Offa Bank Robbery Row
Addressing the monarch, Saraki recalled his role in the selection and enthronement of Oba Esuwoye, which he said he backed against the choice of some others.
He asked the king for unwavering support for the PDP. “Against many hurdles, I supported you in 2010. Now is the time for payback,” he said.
“I slept in Offa to see you today because of my respect for you. Let us know, here and beyond, that I am not a visitor in Offa, particularly in this palace.
“In 2010, when the chiefs and kingmakers decided they wanted you, I accepted you as the preferred candidate despite petitions and complaints from many quarters.
“When they write about this town and this Oba, you must add my name, because some people attempted to influence me into rejecting you, but I stood my ground. Now is the time I seek your support, like I did for you in 2010. Kabiesi, our PDP won’t disappoint you.
“We in PDP shall continue to play our role in developing Offa further. Please help convince your people to vote PDP in 2027,” he begged.
Responding, the traditional ruler urged residents to collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) so they can exercise their civic duties next year.
Beyond The Offa Bank Robbery: ₦50m For Offa’s Power Crisis
Meanwhile, Saraki donated ₦50 million to address Offa’s decades-old electricity crisis. The money is expected to fund the replacement of obsolete cables installed about 55 years ago, during the administration of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
According to the community, the cables can no longer meet the demands of Offa and its growing population. Residents reportedly get only two to three hours of electricity daily, a situation that has hurt businesses and general well-being. The ageing infrastructure has also been linked to several fatal incidents.
The ₦50 million intervention is a significant response to a challenge that has constrained economic activity in Offa for more than five decades.
