- Safiu Kehinde
Former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has faulted the revisitation of the 2018 Offa Robbery incident in a fresh suit filed by the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led administration.
NPO Reported that the Kwara state government had earlier this week filed a fresh 20-count charge over the infamous robbery attack with Abdulfatah as well as former Senate President Bukola Saraki and several others listed as defendants.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Saturday, the former Kwara governor condemned the state government over the suit, labelling the allegations contained in the charge as false and desperate attempt to politically persecute him and other opposition leaders.
Abdulfatah expressed shock over the state government’s revisitation of the case which had largely been concluded after thorough investigations and judicial processes.
“My attention has been drawn to the so-called 20-count charge reportedly filed by the administration of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq against my person, alongside that of Dr. Bukola Saraki and others, over the tragic 2018 Offa robbery.
“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: these allegations are false, baseless, and a desperate attempt to weaponise the instruments of the state for political persecution.
“The Offa robbery remains one of the most painful chapters in the history of our dear state. Like every well-meaning Kwaran,
“I mourned the victims and stood firmly for justice. It is therefore both shocking and deeply troubling that years after thorough investigations and judicial processes at the federal level, this administration has chosen to resurrect a matter already settled for purely political ends.” He said.
Abudulfatah held that the revisitation of the case was not in pursuit of justice but a personal vendetta by Abdulrazaq in alleged plot to distract Kwara people and silence opposition voice ahead of 2027 election.
“This latest move by the Kwara State Government is not about justice. It is about vendetta. It is about silencing perceived political opponents and rewriting narratives ahead of 2027.
“It is about distracting the good people of Kwara from the pressing issues of governance, including economic hardship, rising insecurity, and the visible decline in infrastructure and public services across the state.” He said.
The ex-Kwara governor held that he has no link to the Offa robbery incident or any criminal activity.
“Let it also be known that during my tenure, I upheld the rule of law and never interfered with security agencies or judicial processes.
“I have nothing to hide and absolutely no link, direct or indirect, to any criminal activity, including the unfortunate Offa incident.
“The attempt to rely on recycled testimonies and discredited claims only reinforces what this trial truly represents; a political script, not a pursuit of justice.” Abdulfatah said.
He expressed confidence in the judiciary while urging Kwara indigenes not to be swayed by the development.
“I have full confidence in the judiciary and trust that the courts will not allow themselves to be used as tools for political manipulation. Truth remains constant, and no amount of propaganda can overturn it.
“To the good people of Kwara State, I urge you to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused. Do not be distracted by this calculated attempt to divide us or derail our collective aspirations for a better Kwara.
“History will judge all actions, and justice, true justice, will prevail.” He added,