A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Jabi, Abuja, on Tuesday has remanded a lecturer of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Prof. Sani Ibrahim, in the Correctional Service over alleged conspiracy, forgery, and criminal trespass.

Ibrahim, alongside Mr. Mubarak Musa Saliu; and others (at large), are currently being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in a 4-count charge over a plot of land in Guzape, Abuja, belonging to NEXTDORA NIG. LTD., with RC. No: 1190723.

The case was filed before Justice Ademuyiwa Oyeyipo on the 18th April, 2025, and was called for arraignment on Tuesday, after the defendants failed to appear in court in three consecutive adjourned dates.

Ibrahim, who is the 2nd defendant in the criminal suit, was accused of evading appearance in court for two previous hearings since he was summoned, prompting the Police, on the order of the court, to arrest and arraign him accordingly..

He, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were being read to him in court.

His lead Counsel, R.O. Atabo (SAN), had filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated 20th May, 2025, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.

The 2nd Defendant’s Counsel also faulted the perceived discrepancies in the Seal of the Prosecution Counsel and his name, while asking the Court to strike out the charge for incompetence and lack of jurisdiction.

“That the said charge is purportedly signed by one F.A.O Longe, Esq, whilst the seal of legal practitioners embossed thereon is that of LONGE FRANK OMOKHOJE.

“That by the combined effect of the provisions of Sections 2(1) & 24 of the Legal Practitioners Act and decision of the Apex Court in YAKI VS. BAGUDU (2015) 18 NWLR (PT. 1491) 288, the charge is null and void in law for NOT being signed by a legal practitioner known to law.

“That the said Counts 1 & 4 are incompetent because the 2nd Defendant is absolutely protected by Section 47 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 532, in that he acted pursuant to the lawful orders of this Honourable Court”, the Preliminary Objection read in part.

Having replied on the point of law, the presiding Judge ruled the Preliminary Objection in favour of the Prosecution Counsel.

Although the Defendant’s Counsel made an oral application for bail for Ibrahim on Tuesday, but it was swiftly objected to by the Prosecution Counsel, Barr. Frank Longe.

In his ruling, Justice Oyeyipo remanded Prof. Ibrahim in Correctional facilities till 19th June, 2025, for hearing; pending when a proper bail application is filed and debated.