Nigerian Professor Remanded Over Alleged Land Fraud and Document Forgery
Abuja, May 28, 2025 – A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has remanded Professor Sani Ibrahim, a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in correctional custody over charges of conspiracy, forgery, criminal trespass, and fraud related to a disputed land in Guzape, Abuja.
Details of the Case
Professor Ibrahim, alongside Mubarak Musa Saliu and other suspects currently at large, is accused of fraudulently altering the corporate registration number of NEXTDORA Nigeria Ltd., the lawful owner of Plot 4411 in Guzape. The accused allegedly changed the company’s registration number from RC 1190723 to RC 564478, falsely attributing it to “NETCAP INTERSWITCH” through forged documents. This alteration was reportedly used to unlawfully gain access to the property in December 2024.
The charges include:
- Conspiracy to commit felony (forgery and criminal trespass)
- Fraudulent use of forged documents
- Possession of forged documents with intent to use them as genuine
- Unlawful entry into the disputed land
These offenses are punishable under various sections of the Penal Code Act.
Court Proceedings
Professor Ibrahim was arraigned on April 18, 2025, but had failed to appear in court on three previous occasions, prompting a court-ordered arrest at his university in Zaria. Upon arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) R.O. Atabo, filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction, citing discrepancies in the prosecution’s documents — specifically, that the charge bore the seal of “Longe Frank Omokhoje” but was signed by “F.A.O. Longe.” However, Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo dismissed the objection, siding with the prosecution.
An oral bail request was also denied, and the professor was remanded in custody until June 19, 2025, pending a formal bail application.
Prosecution and Investigation
The case is being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The police allege that the accused conspired to commit forgery and trespass to unlawfully seize the property belonging to NEXTDORA Nigeria Ltd.
Additional Context
- The forged document was used to misrepresent ownership and gain unlawful access to the property in December 2024.
- The case involves complex allegations of land racketeering and document manipulation, reflecting wider concerns about land fraud in Nigeria’s capital territory.
- The defendants, including Professor Ibrahim, are accused of knowingly possessing and using forged documents to commit fraud.
- The court’s decision to remand the professor underscores the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle corruption and fraud.
