From Joseph Asegba, Yola
Adamawa State High Court, presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, on Friday discharged and acquitted a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu, who served as Chief Security Officer (CSO) to former Governor Murtala Nyako.
Justice Abdulrahman acquitted Rabiu of all five counts brought against him by the prosecution, ruling that it failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The retired police officer had been standing trial since 2021 over allegations of criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and inciting public disturbance.
In her judgment, the Chief Judge held that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking the defendant to the offences, as required by law.
The Chief Judge ruled that there was no credible evidence proving that the defendant committed any of the alleged offences.
On the charge of cheating against Rabiu, the court held that the essential elements of deceit, inducement, and fraudulent intent were absent, rendering the allegation unsustainable.
The court consequently discharged and acquitted Rabiu of all charges.
Prior to the prosecution, it was alleged that Rabiu unlawfully converted two landed properties valued at about N80 million to his personal ownership.
According to the prosecution, the properties were originally acquired in the name of Sebore Farms before they were allegedly transferred to Rabiu and later sold.
Rabiu, however, consistently denied all the allegations following his arraignment, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial.
The Chief Judge observed that even if the allegations that certain company documents were backdated were accepted, they did not automatically translate into criminal liability in the absence of proof that the defendant personally fabricated or dishonestly executed them.
The court further held that the prosecution failed to connect the defendant with any act capable of satisfying the legal ingredients of forgery.
Justice Abdulrahman also ruled that no evidence whatsoever was presented linking Rabiu to any conduct capable of disturbing public peace or provoking disorder.
Having found that all five counts failed for lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt, Justice Abdulrahman discharged and acquitted Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu on every charge.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the defendant, Roland C. Enem, Esq., commended the court for what he described as a diligent, painstaking, and well-researched judgment.
Enem noted that his client had faced allegations of criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and inciting public disturbance but was ultimately discharged and acquitted after the court found that the prosecution failed to prove its case.
He therefore described the judgment as exemplary, saying it reflected the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
Counsel to the prosecution, D. I. Kulthu, also expressed appreciation to the court following the delivery of the judgment.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, a supporter of the defendant, Muhammed Mayas, expressed gratitude to God and the judiciary for what he described as Rabiu’s vindication.
Mayas said the verdict had brought relief and joy to the defendant’s family, friends, and well-wishers, who had remained steadfast throughout the trial.
He also praised the Chief Judge for ensuring that justice prevailed and thanked everyone who supported Rabiu during the four-year legal battle, describing the judgment as a victory for justice and due process.
