From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The Adamawa State High Court on Friday, discharged and acquitted retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu, of all charges in an alleged N80m property fraud case.
Chief Judge Hafsat Abdulrahman, ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against Rabiu, who served as Chief Security Officer to former Governor Murtala Nyako.
Rabiu had faced trial since 2021 on five counts including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and inciting public disturbance.
The prosecution alleged that Rabiu unlawfully converted two landed properties worth about N80m to his personal ownership. The properties were said to have been acquired in the name of Sebore Farms before they were allegedly transferred to Rabiu and later sold.
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But Justice Abdulrahman held that the prosecution presented no credible evidence linking Rabiu to the offences.
On the cheating charge, the court found that key elements of deceit, fraudulent intent, and inducement were absent, making the allegation unsustainable.
The court also ruled that even if company documents were backdated as alleged, that did not automatically amount to criminal liability without proof that Rabiu personally forged or dishonestly executed them.
“No evidence whatsoever was presented linking Sheriff to any conduct capable of disturbing public peace or provoking disorder,” Justice Abdulrahman stated.
Having found that all five counts failed for lack of proof, the court discharged and acquitted Rabiu on every charge.
Reacting to the judgment, defence counsel Roland Enem, Esq. commended the court for a “diligent, painstaking, and well-researched judgment” that reflected fairness and the rule of law.
Prosecution counsel, D. I. Kulthu, also thanked the court after the verdict was delivered.
A supporter of the defendant, Muhammed Mayas, told journalists the judgment brought relief to Rabiu’s family and friends after the four-year legal battle. He described the verdict as “a victory for justice and due process” and praised the Chief Judge for ensuring justice prevailed.
Rabiu had consistently denied all allegations since his arraignment.
