The scheduled continuation of the trial of Mr. Umar Abubakar, who is facing charges of forgery and job racketeering, was on Tuesday stalled at the Adamawa State High Court in Yola due to the defendant’s absence.
Mr. Abubakar, who was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in 2022 during a sting operation, is standing trial before Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretense, forgery, and corruptly obtaining consideration.
In a statement made available by the Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, fsi, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, ICPC alleged that Mr. Abubakar falsely claimed he had connections within the Presidency and, in April 2022, induced one Kabiru Musa to pay him in exchange for securing employment with the Commission.
He was also accused of presenting a forged letter of temporary appointment, purportedly issued by the ICPC and signed by its Chairman, to his victim.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Umar Abubakar (M), sometimes in April 2022 in Jimeta, Adamawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Court, fraudulently made and signed a document purported to be a letter of temporary appointment issued by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and signed by the Chairman of the Commission, knowing same was not made and signed by the said Chairman, contrary to Section 349(a) and punishable under Section 351 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State 2018.”
When the matter came up for hearing, defence counsel, Mr. A.U. Sangere, told the court that the defendant had travelled and was unable to attend the session. He assured the court that his client would be present at the next sitting.
Prosecution counsel, Mr. T.S. Iorngee, requested two clear dates to expedite the trial. Justice Abdulrahman subsequently adjourned the case to 3 and 4 June 2025 for continuation of hearing.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice is served in line with the provisions of the law.
