Professor Ibrahim, a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, alongside Mr. Mubarak Musa Saliu and others still at large, is currently facing trial initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun. The accused are charged on a four-count indictment concerning a land parcel located in Guzape, Abuja, which is legally owned by NEXTDORA NIG. LTD (RC No. 1190723).
The charge sheet reveals that in December 2024, within the court’s jurisdiction, the suspects allegedly conspired to commit the crimes of forgery and criminal trespass—offences punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Act.
The document further accuses the defendants of dishonestly altering the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number of NEXTDORA LTD from RC. 1190723 to RC. 564478 NETCAP INTERSWITCH, with the intent to pass off a fraudulent document as authentic. This violation is considered a breach under Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act.
Additionally, the court documents indicate that the accused were in possession of the forged paperwork, with the intention to use it deceitfully—an act contrary to Section 368 and similarly punishable under Section 364.
Another count specifies that the suspects unlawfully entered Plot No. 4411 in Guzape, property of NEXTDORA NIG LTD, intending to commit an offence, which falls under Section 348 of the Penal Code Act.
The legal action was filed on April 18, 2025, before Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo, and brought for arraignment after the accused repeatedly failed to appear on three previous court dates.
Professor Ibrahim, who is listed as the second defendant, had avoided attending court sessions despite being served by the Nigeria Police Force. This prompted the court to issue an order that led to his arrest at ABU Zaria, enabling his appearance for arraignment on Tuesday.
Upon hearing the charges, the professor pleaded not guilty.
His lead attorney, R.O. Atabo (SAN), submitted a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated May 20, 2025, contesting the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case. Atabo also highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s documentation, noting that the charge was signed by “F.A.O. Longe, Esq.” but bore the legal seal of “Longe Frank Omokhoje.”
Citing Sections 2(1) & 24 of the Legal Practitioners Act and referencing the Supreme Court’s decision in YAKI VS. BAGUDU (2015) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1491) 288, Atabo argued that the charges were invalid, asserting that the document was not signed by a legally recognized practitioner.
Further, the defense argued that Counts 1 and 4 were nullified by Section 47 of the Penal Code Act, which allegedly protects Professor Ibrahim as he was acting under a lawful court order.
Despite the defense’s legal argument, the presiding judge ruled in favor of the Prosecution Counsel, rejecting the preliminary objection.
Although an oral bail application was presented by the defense, it was opposed by the Prosecution Counsel, Barrister Frank Longe. Consequently, Justice Oyeyipo ruled that Professor Sani Ibrahim be remanded in custody at a correctional facility until June 19, 2025, pending the submission and hearing of a formal bail application.
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