ICPC Closes Case Against Alleged Job Racketeer in Adamawa, Court Adjourns for Ruling
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has concluded its prosecution in the alleged job racketeering case involving Umar Abubakar before the Adamawa State High Court sitting in Yola.
Umar Abubakar is being tried in suit number HC/ADSY/127C/2022 between the Federal Government and the defendant, presided over by the Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.
At the resumed hearing on March 2, 2026, prosecution counsel, Lorngee Terkuma Solomon, appearing for the ICPC, presented the Commission’s final witness, marking the close of its case.
The witness, Mr. Isah Abdullahi Gaude, an ICPC investigator and member of the investigative team, told the court that the defendant was arrested during a sting operation carried out in April 2022 in Jimeta, Yola, following a petition.
He explained that the petition alleged that the defendant demanded the sum of N1 million from one Kabiru Musa under the pretext of securing him employment with the ICPC.
According to the investigator, the defendant was apprehended during the operation with a purported temporary ICPC appointment letter and N100,000, which was part of the money arranged for the sting.
The court also heard that a subsequent search of the defendant’s residence, executed with a warrant, led to the recovery of additional incriminating materials, including alleged fake appointment letters and letterheads of the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, and Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.
Following the testimony of the final witness, the prosecution formally closed its case.
Counsel to the defendant, A.U. Sangere, after cross-examining the witness, applied to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against his client.
Justice Abdulrahman thereafter adjourned the matter to March 30, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses on the no-case submission.
The defendant is facing a three-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence with intent to defraud, fraudulent making and signing of documents, and corruptly receiving gratification, in violation of relevant provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2000; the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State; and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The case continues at the next adjourned date.
