A group of young people from Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State held a peaceful protest on Thursday, April 23, 2026, to show solidarity with former Senate President Bukola Saraki amid a fresh legal case linked to the 2018 Offa robbery incident. The demonstration, which began at Omoda Roundabout and concluded at the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin’s palace, saw participants march through major roads in Ilorin, carrying placards and chanting slogans in support of Saraki. The rally was organized in response to a lawsuit filed by the Kwara State Government against Saraki, former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and others, accusing them of involvement in the deadly robbery that occurred in Offa in April 2018. The trial has been scheduled for June 4, 2026.
The youths expressed strong opposition to the renewed legal action, arguing that the case was being revived for political motives rather than genuine pursuit of justice. Many participants believed the government’s decision to revisit the matter was an attempt to distract from pressing issues facing the state. They emphasized that the incident had already been addressed through legal channels in the past and questioned the need for reopening it. The march was marked by calm and order, with no reports of violence or disruption to public activities.
Adio Odunjo, Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State, addressed the gathering and highlighted the emotional toll the case continues to have on families affected by the 2018 attack. He urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to refrain from actions that could inflame tensions in the state. Odunjo stressed that the state should focus on current challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructure decay, rather than rehashing old cases. He described the renewed legal action as a sign of poor leadership and a distraction from more urgent developmental needs.
The protesters maintained that their demonstration was not an act of defiance but a peaceful expression of concern over what they see as a politically motivated revival of a past case. They called for unity and urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and progress in Kwara. The march drew attention from local residents and media, reinforcing the growing public interest in the legal and political dynamics surrounding the Offa robbery case. As the trial date approaches, the incident continues to spark debate across the state, with many questioning the motives behind the renewed legal proceedings. The event underscores the deep political sensitivities and public sentiment surrounding high-profile cases in Nigeria’s judicial landscape.
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