Abuja: A Wuse Zone 2 Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, has adjourned until August 17 the alleged N35 million financial misappropriation case against the immediate past National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam. The court session, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving the parties to agree on a new trial date.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gabam was arraigned in May under suit No. DCC/10/2026 for allegedly misappropriating N35 million from the SDP during his tenure as national chairman. The SDP had charged Gabam with criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, theft, and other financial offences. On Monday, the court announced it would not be sitting due to unforeseen circumstances, prompting parties to agree on August 17 as the new adjourned date.
Speaking with journalists after the stalled proceedings, SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, remarked that it was the first instance since the trial began that the court had failed to sit on an adjourned date. He emphasized the party’s readiness to proceed, noting that officials from Zenith Bank, subpoenaed to provide the party’s statement of account, were present but had to leave with the documents as the court did not sit. Gombe highlighted the importance of the bank statement as a key piece of evidence, expressing hope it would be admitted on the next adjourned date.
He added that the prosecution had gathered sufficient evidence to support the allegations, demonstrating confidence in the judicial process. Gombe underscored the need for justice over timing, affirming trust in the court system. He urged the court to hear the matter on the next adjourned date to enable both parties to present their cases comprehensively.
Gombe alleged discrepancies in the party’s 2024 financial records, revealing multiple payments made to an individual without financial responsibilities. He noted that this individual received about 75 payments during the year, including multiple transfers on the same day, despite not being a contractor, financial officer, or treasurer. This situation informed the current leadership’s decision to sanitize the party’s administration.
Gombe also called on the judiciary to expedite cases involving alleged financial misconduct within political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He argued that speedy prosecution would enhance internal party democracy and deter corruption. On the party’s leadership dispute, Gombe maintained that issues concerning political party leadership were internal affairs, beyond the jurisdiction of INEC and the courts.