BREAKING: I’ve no Hand in Offa Robbery – Saraki Reiterates; Gunmen Abduct Passengers in Kogi

I’ve no Hand in Offa Robbery – Saraki Reiterates

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa robbery, accusing AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of using the judiciary to pursue a political vendetta against him. In a statement released on Friday, Saraki insisted he had no direct or indirect link to the robbery and said the renewed attempt to associate him with the incident was a move to settle political scores. He maintained that investigations by authorities had previously found no evidence connecting him to the crime.

Saraki further argued that the case had earlier been used as a political tool during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 elections. According to him, legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions cleared him twice after police investigations failed to establish any connection between him and the robbery suspects. He expressed confidence that any fresh legal attempt to revive the allegations would collapse in court.

Gunmen Abduct Passengers in Kogi

Gunmen have abducted passengers travelling in a Lagos–Abuja commercial bus along the Ayere–Kabba Road in Kabba Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident involved a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Chisco Transport Company, which was intercepted by armed men on 13 April 2026 at about 8:30 p.m. The attackers reportedly stopped the vehicle, assaulted the occupants and took the passengers to an unknown destination.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that one victim, Adoun Julius, aged 56, has been rescued and the vehicle recovered. Police authorities also disclosed that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack while joint security operatives continue search-and-rescue operations to free the remaining abducted passengers. The command urged the public to provide useful information that could assist ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.

2027: Atiku can contest but should consider his age — Amaechi

Rotimi Amaechi stated that Atiku Abubakar is qualified to contest the 2027 presidency but should consider his age and physical capacity. He stressed that the role demands energy and mobility to effectively address national challenges.

Amaechi rejected consensus candidacy within the African Democratic Congress, insisting on primary elections to ensure fairness. He also dismissed regional and ethnic considerations in leadership selection, urging focus on competence while criticising past political decisions influenced by religion.

Delta North 2027: No room for olden days politics – Sen Nwoko

Ned Nwoko declared his intention to seek re-election for the Delta North senatorial seat in 2027, insisting that the region must move away from “olden days politics.” He maintained that his performance in office and advocacy for the Anioma people justified his bid to continue in the Senate.

He highlighted ongoing efforts in infrastructure, education, and power projects, while expressing confidence in support from Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nwoko urged constituents to remain focused on development-driven leadership, stressing that the contest remains open but centred on delivering tangible benefits.