Police speak on death of Offa robbery suspect, say Saraki not off the hook

The police say Michael Adikwu, principal suspect in the Offa robbery incident, slumped and died in detention.

Months after TheCable’s report on the matter, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Kwara commissioner of justice, on Wednesday confirmed Adikwu’s death.

Following the confirmation, Senate President Bukola Saraki called for an inquiry into the development.

In a statement on Thursday, Jimoh Moshood, police spokesman, shed light on the circumstances surrounding Adikwu’s demise.

He said the senate president, who was indicted over the robbery, is not yet off the hook.

“Michael Adikwu was not murdered but slumped and died in detention while investigation into the Offa Bank Robbery was ongoing,” Moshood said.

“It is also important for the public to know that the deceased Michael Adikwu ‘M’ 30Yrs  was not among the Five (5) gang leaders that indicted and implicated the senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, therefore, his death cannot in anyway vindicate Senator Bukola Saraki. There is a post-mortem examination result in respect of the death of Michael Adikwu ‘M’ 30Yrs.

“The indictment of the senate president, senator Bukola Saraki from the confessions of the five gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery was not politically motivated as alleged by Mr. Yusuf Olaniyonu, special adviser (Media and Publicity) to the senate president, senator Bukola Saraki to the media, but purely criminal case.

“It should be of serious concern to all, that human life is sacrosanct and where investigation has been concluded and suspects arraigned in court.

“Judicial process must be exhausted and not hindered for the law to take its course in ensuring justice for the families of more than 33 innocent persons including pregnant women that were gruesomely murdered in cold blood by Michael Adikwu and the five gang leaders Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran arrested, investigated and currently standing trial for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery, than for any individual(s) or any group to attempt futile efforts and desperate distractions to pervert the end of justice is most unfair to the families of the deceased, the state and the society at large.”