Abba Kyari, others forced us to implicate Saraki – Offa robbery suspect

The Offa robbery suspect said the IRT operatives promised that they would free them “if we can name Saraki as our sponsor”.

By Jeffrey Agbo

One of the Offa robbery suspects, Shamsudeen Bada, has alleged that policemen tortured him to implicate former Senate President Bukola Saraki in the April 5, 2018 robbery.

Bada was led in evidence on Thursday at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin by the defence counsel, Mathias Emeribe.

He said specifically that men of the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police led by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, were the ones who tortured him.

Five suspects — Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham and two others — were charged to court by the police for criminal conspiracy to rob the banks, murder of nine policemen and other citizens, and illegal possession of firearms.

The five accused persons were standing trial for alleged conspiracy, armed robbery, murder, culpable homicide and illegal possession of firearms.

Bada said when the families of the detained suspects threatened the police with court action, the IRT operatives said they were taking instructions directly from the IGP and there was no court from Kwara that can stop their operation.

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During cross examination by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) who is prosecuting the case, the Offa robbery suspect said that while they were in detention, the IRT operatives promised that they would free them “if we can name Saraki as our sponsor,” adding, “Ayo Akinnibosun was shot in the leg when he declined to indict Saraki.

“After he was shot, my health started deteriorating. DCP Abba Kyari brought some nurses to treat me. Before I was eventually released, the police officers gave me conditions before I was released that I must not grant any press interview, I must not go to court and I should quit politics.”

The prosecuting counsel was unable to conclude his cross-examination of the witness because a particular document was not properly placed to be tendered before the Court. Hence, they sought an adjournment to obtain the said document.

Justice Halimat Salman adjourned the case to January 16, 17 and 18, 2023 for the continuation of cross-examination.