The recent court judgment sentencing five suspects to death by hanging for their involvement in the heinous Offa bank robbery that claimed the lives of 33 innocent souls is a significant relief for the people of Offa and all Nigerians who have been seeking justice for years.
This development not only begins to bring closure to the families of the victims, but also reaffirms our faith in the justice system.
It is crucial to emphasize once again that Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON, has been fully vindicated from the false allegations that sought to link him to this tragic incident. As one of the suspects recount during trial that he was tortured to mention Dr Saraki with promise to set him free and a visa to any country in the world as reward for implicating Dr Saraki during the investigation.
The attempted politicization of this horrendous crime was a desperate and malicious effort to smear the image of Dr. Saraki, an attempt that has since crumbled as the truth has come to light.
We implore all those who participated in this false narrative, using the tragic event for political gain, to seek forgiveness from God before they start facing the same fate as some of the key figures in this conspiracy notably mention as follows.
1. DCP Abba Kyari, who spearheaded the malicious set-up, has been disgracefully dismissed from the police and sentenced to prison for years. Similarly,
2. The then Inspector General of Police, who was part of the scheme, was humiliated out of office after failing to read a prepared speech at a public event toward his retirement.
3. Ibrahim Magu, the former EFCC Chairman, who also joined in falsely implicating Dr. Saraki, was dismissed unceremoniously.
4. Mr. Danladi Umar of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, who was involved in the plot, has been disgraced out of CCB and is now facing trial for corruption in court.
5. Moreover, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, the then Police Force Public Relations Officer who publicly paraded the suspects while leading the false accusations, remains in the police force with no significant career progress, unlike those who followed after him and have risen through the ranks.
We commend the judiciary for ensuring justice is served, reinforcing the hope that our legal system remains a pillar of fairness and truth. While this ruling provides some solace, we remember the immense loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the 33 victims who lost their lives during the robbery. May they continue to find strength and healing.
Let this serve as a stark reminder to those who seek to defame and destroy others for political gain that the truth always prevails, and the consequences of deceit are inevitable.
Signed,
Hon. Comr. Salahudeen A. Lukman
PDP Candidate for Offa Local Government Chairmanship Election 2024
