ABU Professor remanded over alleged forgery, land fraud

An FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Professor Sani Ibrahim of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, and criminal trespass linked to a disputed land in Guzape, Abuja.

Prof. Ibrahim is standing trial alongside Mubarak Musa Saliu and other individuals still at large, in a four-count charge brought by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The land in question is reportedly owned by NEXTDORA NIG. LTD., with RC No: 1190723.

Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo, who is presiding over the case, issued the remand order following Ibrahim’s repeated failure to appear in court, which led to his arrest.

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The case, originally filed on April 18, 2025, finally came up for arraignment on Tuesday, where Ibrahim pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, R.O. Atabo (SAN), submitted a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated May 20, 2025, challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Atabo argued that the charge was incompetent, citing issues with the prosecution counsel’s credentials and referencing legal protections under the Penal Code.

The objection claimed the charges were invalid for not being signed by a legally recognized practitioner and that Prof. Ibrahim was shielded by Section 47 of the Penal Code, as he had acted under court orders.

However, the court dismissed the objections and ruled in favor of the prosecution, led by Barrister Frank Longe.

An oral bail request was also presented by the defense but was promptly opposed by the prosecution.

Justice Oyeyipo denied the oral application and ordered that Prof. Ibrahim be remanded in custody until June 19, 2025, when the bail application will be properly heard.

The case continues to draw public interest due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the serious allegations involving land fraud in the Federal Capital Territory.