Youths of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State on Thursday staged a protest against what they described as the political victimisation of Bukola Saraki over the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident.
The protesters marched through major streets of Ilorin before converging at the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin’s palace, where they addressed supporters.
Speaking for the group, PDP Youth Leader Adio Odunjo called for the withdrawal of what he termed politically motivated narratives surrounding the case, urging authorities to act in the interest of peace and unity in the Ilorin Emirate.
“This is not about justice. This is about politics, and about a politically desperate power bloc that believes no other Ilorin son should rise above its control,” he said.
He maintained that the Offa robbery case had been thoroughly investigated by the Nigerian Police, noting that the Director of Public Prosecution found no evidence linking Saraki to the crime.
“Suspects were charged, trials were conducted, and judgments were delivered and upheld on appeal. So we ask again: what exactly is this government trying to achieve now?” he added.
The youths insisted that while political opposition is legitimate, attempts to associate Saraki with a case they said had been legally resolved were unacceptable.
“You may oppose him politically, that is democracy but to attempt to smear his name with matters he has been legally cleared of is unacceptable. We will not keep quiet about it,” Odunjo said.
They also urged Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to exercise restraint and respect for institutions, warning that such actions could heighten political tension.
A widow of one of the Offa robbery victims, Habeebat Sanni, also appealed to the state government to prioritise development, security, and infrastructure rather than revisiting past cases.
