The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally closed its prosecution against Umar Abubakar in a high-profile alleged job racketeering case before the Adamawa State High Court.
Abubakar, standing trial in suit number HC/ADSY/127C/2022, is accused of offering to secure employment at the ICPC in exchange for N1 million. At the resumed hearing on March 2, 2026, ICPC’s final witness, investigator Isah Abdullahi Gaude, told the court that the defendant was apprehended during a sting operation in April 2022 in Jimeta, Yola, with a purported ICPC appointment letter and N100,000 in hand.
The court heard that a search of Abubakar’s residence recovered additional documents, including appointment letters and letterheads from the Federal Medical Centres in Yola and Jalingo, allegedly intended to facilitate fraudulent employment schemes.
Following the testimony, the prosecution formally closed its case. Defense counsel, A.U. Sangere, immediately applied for a no-case submission, arguing that the ICPC had failed to prove a prima facie case. The Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Hafsat Abdulrahman, adjourned proceedings to March 30, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses on the no-case submission.
Abubakar faces three counts: obtaining by false pretence under the Advance Fee Fraud Act, fraudulent making and signing of documents under the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, and corruptly obtaining consideration as a reward under the Corrupt Practices Act.
A statement by J. Okor Odey, ICPC’s spokesperson, confirmed the closure of the prosecution’s case, emphasizing the Commission’s resolve to hold alleged offenders accountable and reinforce public trust in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
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