Adamawa court acquits ex-Nyako security chief over alleged N80m land fraud
Adamawa Court Acquits Former Chief Security Officer of Fraud Charges
YOLA, Nigeria — The Adamawa State High Court on Friday discharged and acquitted Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and former Chief Security Officer to ex-Governor Murtala Nyako. The court dismissed all charges against him, including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and inciting public disturbance.
Presiding Judge Hafsat Abdulrahman stated the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond a reasonable doubt. She emphasized the lack of evidence substantiating the allegations during the proceedings.
The case concludes one of the state’s most closely followed legal disputes, stemming from allegations by Nyako that Rabiu defrauded him of 80 million naira under the pretense of acquiring two properties in Yola. According to the initial claims, Rabiu was accused of converting the properties, which were registered to Nyako’s Sebore Farms, for his personal gain.
Rabiu faced trial after his arraignment on November 12, 2021, during which the prosecution presented five witnesses in an attempt to support its claims. However, Judge Abdulrahman noted that no evidence of deceit or fraud was presented regarding the cheating charge, leading to the overall dismissal of the case.
Rabiu maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and denied all allegations directed against him.