The trial of Umar Abubakar, an alleged job racketeer who claimed ties to the Nigerian Presidency, suffered a dramatic delay on Tuesday after the defendant failed to appear before the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola.
The case, prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), revolves around a 2022 undercover operation that culminated in Abubakar’s arrest. He was arraigned on June 1, 2023, before Honourable Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman on a three-count charge bordering on corruption, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the ICPC, Abubakar allegedly hoodwinked one Mr. Kabiru Musa by claiming he had influential connections within the Presidency, and could secure him employment at the ICPC in exchange for a N100,000 bribe. To bolster the ruse, Abubakar allegedly presented a forged employment letter supposedly signed by the Chairman of the ICPC.
However, during the latest court proceedings on May 6, 2025, Abubakar was conspicuously absent. His counsel, Mr. A.U. Sangere, told the court that his client had “travelled” and would be available at the next scheduled hearing.
ICPC’s legal representative, Mr. T. S. Iorngee, expressed concern over the delay and requested two definite adjournment dates to enable a faster prosecution. Consequently, Justice Abdulrahman fixed June 3 and 4, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
Despite the setback, the ICPC reiterated its unwavering commitment to tackling corruption head-on and bringing perpetrators to justice, regardless of the high-level connections they claim to have.
This case has sparked public interest as it highlights the growing menace of job racketeering in Nigeria, often fuelled by false affiliations with powerful individuals. As the nation awaits the next hearing, all eyes remain on the judiciary and anti-corruption bodies to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
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