Offa Robbery Victims’ Families Seek ₦2.1 Billion Compensation from Kwara Govt and Saraki

Offa Robbery Victims' Families Seek ₦2.1 Billion Compensation from Kwara Govt and Saraki

The families of the victims of the 2018 Offa robbery have filed a lawsuit demanding ₦2.1 billion in compensation from the Kwara State Government.

The tragic incident, which occurred on April 5, 2018, resulted in numerous deaths and shook the nation.

Allegations of Government Complicity

Filed in a high court in Ilorin, the claimants allege that the Kwara State Government was complicit in the robbery that targeted the Nigeria Police Station in Owode and several banks in Offa. They accuse the administration of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of harboring items connected to the crime. According to the families, key exhibits from the robbery were reportedly discovered at the Government House during Ahmed’s tenure.

Additionally, they claim that the convicted robbers admitted to being members of a political group allegedly linked to former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Claims of Political Sponsorship

The claimants assert that one of the convicted robbers, Ayoade Akinnibosun (aka AY), testified in court, implicating Saraki and Ahmed as their political sponsors. Akinnibosun allegedly confessed that the group had acted as political thugs for the two politicians, which emboldened them to carry out the robbery.

In court documents, the families stated:
“The convicts confessed that they had been political thugs to the third (Saraki) and fourth (Ahmed) defendants, and that was what encouraged them to do what they did.”

READ ALSO:  ‘Why Presidential Election Tribunal May Not Deliver Judgement Today’

Compensation Demands

The families are seeking:

  • ₦1.5 billion as compensation for the loss of their relatives,
  • ₦500 million in general damages, and
  • ₦100 million to cover legal costs.

The claimants argue that many of the victims were breadwinners, and their untimely deaths have left their families in financial distress.

Legal Representation and Defendants

The lawsuit is being pursued by a team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Johnson Usman, Yakubu Philemon, M. Abubakar, and A. Philip. Representing the claimants—Abraham Makinde, Lateef Raheem, Adeshina Ayesanmi, and Monsurat Adebayo—the legal team has named the following as defendants:

  1. The current Governor of Kwara State,
  2. The Attorney General of Kwara State,
  3. Former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and
  4. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Background

The 2018 Offa robbery remains one of the most devastating criminal incidents in Nigeria’s recent history. Armed men stormed the town, targeting police facilities and financial institutions, leaving dozens dead and many injured. The aftermath of the robbery sparked public outcry over the state of security and allegations of political interference.

This lawsuit brings fresh attention to the incident, raising questions about accountability, justice for the victims, and the alleged role of prominent political figures in the tragic events.

Recommended For You

About the Author: Gists9ja

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *