The Kwara Reform Group has called for justice to prevail over politics in the renewed investigation into the 2018 Offa robbery.
The group’s Publicity Secretary, Queen Latifah Olarewaju-Arewa, at a news conference in Ilorin on Friday, warned against attempts to politicise the matter.
It said the recent developments in the case should be viewed as a legal process, aimed at ensuring accountability for the victims.
It, particularly, said fresh revelations linking some prominent politicians to the crime had revived calls for further investigations and advised those named to submit to due process in order to clear their names.
According to the group, the renewed attention on the matter did not arise from a political vendetta but followed a petition reportedly submitted by the Offa Descendants Union (ODU).
The petition, it said, was submitted to the Kwara Government on October 3, 2024, seeking the investigation of persons allegedly mentioned by the convicted robbers.
It said the petition followed the judgment of Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara High Court, which convicted and sentenced five suspects to death for their roles in the robbery.
The group recalled that the robbery claimed 33 lives, including police officers.
Kwara Reform Group added that the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the convictions in January further strengthened calls for all persons linked to the crime to face due process.
“What is expected of those mentioned is not political grandstanding, but lawful response to grave allegations arising from investigations and statements attributed to convicted members of the robbery gang,” it said.
It faulted attempts by some political actors to portray the issue as persecution, saying such narratives undermine justice and accountability.
The group urged stakeholders to support efforts to uncover criminal networks rather than obstruct investigations.
It insisted that justice for the 33 victims of the Offa robbery must not be sacrificed for political convenience.
“We are demanding justice for the 33 victims of the Offa robbery.
“The memory of the victims demands truth, accountability and justice, nothing less,” said the group.
