NIGERIAN PROFESSOR DETAINED IN PRISON OVER FORGERY, LAND FRAUD ALLEGATIONS
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By: Motunrayo Aniwura
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), located in Jabi, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered the remand of Professor Sani Ibrahim in a Correctional Facility over charges of conspiracy, forgery, and criminal trespass.
Professor Ibrahim, a member of the Biochemistry Department at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, along with Mr. Mubarak Musa Saliu and others still at large, is being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The case involves a four-count charge related to a plot of land in Guzape, Abuja, which is owned by NEXTDORA NIG. LTD., with registration number RC. 1190723.
“That you, Mubarak Musa Saliu ‘M’ of S/O Williams Utako, Abuja, Prof. Sani Ibrahim ‘M’ of Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University and others now at large, sometimes in December, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forgery and criminal trespass, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Act.
“That you, Mubarak Musa Saliu ‘M’ of S/O Williams Utako, Abuja, Prof. Sani Ibrahim ‘M’ of Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University and others now at large, sometimes in December, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently and dishonestly used as genuine, a document by changing the RC. No of NEXTDORA LTD, from RC. 1190723 to RC. 564478 NETCAP INTERSWITCH, which you knew or have reason to believe to be forged document and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act.
“That you, Mubarak Musa Saliu ‘M’ of S/O Williams Utako, Abuja, Prof. Sani Ibrahim ‘M’ of Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University and others now at large, sometimes in December, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession a forged document wherein the RC. No of NEXTDORA LTD was changed from RC. 1190723 to RC. 564478 NETCAP INTERSWITCH, knowing same to be forged and intending that same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 368 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act.
“That you, Mubarak Musa Saliu ‘M’ of S/O Williams Utako, Abuja, Prof. Sani Ibrahim ‘M’ of Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University and others now at large, on December 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, entered into PLOT NO 4411 Guzape, Abuja, belonging to NEXTDORA NIG LTD, with intent to commit an offence and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 348 of the Penal Code Act”, the charges read.
The case was brought before Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo on April 18, 2025, and was scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday after the defendants failed to appear in court on three consecutive adjourned dates.
Professor Sani Ibrahim, the second defendant in the case, had previously avoided appearing in court for two sessions, despite being properly served by the Nigeria Police Force. This led the court to issue an order for his arrest, prompting police officers to apprehend him at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and present him for arraignment.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Prof. Ibrahim entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
His lead counsel, R.O. Atabo (SAN), submitted a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated May 20, 2025, contesting the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case. Additionally, the defense raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the Seal and the name of the Prosecution Counsel, arguing that these issues render the charges defective and urging the court to dismiss them for lack of competence and jurisdiction.
“That the said charge is purportedly signed by one F.A.O Longe, Esq, whilst the seal of legal practitioners embossed thereon is that of LONGE FRANK OMOKHOJE.
“That by the combined effect of the provisions of Sections 2(1) & 24 of the Legal Practitioners Act and decision of the Apex Court in YAKI VS. BAGUDU (2015) 18 NWLR (PT. 1491) 288, the charge is null and void in law for NOT being signed by a legal practitioner known to law.
“That the said Counts 1 & 4 are incompetent because the 2nd Defendant is absolutely protected by Section 47 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 532, in that he acted pursuant to the lawful orders of this Honourable Court”, the Preliminary Objection read in part.
Having replied on point of law, the presiding Judge ruled the Preliminary Objection in favour of the Prosecution Counsel.
Although the Defendant’s Counsel made an oral application for bail for Prof. Ibrahim on Tuesday, but it was swiftly objected by the Prosecution Counsel, Barr. Frank Longe.
In his ruling, Justice Oyeyipo remanded Prof. Ibrahim in Correctional facilities till 19th June, 2025, for hearing; pending when a proper bail application is filed and debated.
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