The Department of State Services, DSS, has arraigned Sheriff Rabiu, a former Chief Security Officer, CSO, to retired Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako over allegations of fraud.
Sheriff, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, had come into the news last weekend when he was nabbed by the DSS over allegation that he converted to his own use an N80 million worth of landed property belonging to the Nyako business estate.
Sabore Farms Ltd which belongs to the Murtala Nyako family had said it gave N80 million to Sheriff to buy land for it only for Sheriff to buy the land in his own name.
The case, now before the state High Court I in Yola under Justice Hafsat Abdulrahaman, is cited as the State (Complainant) versus Sheriff Abubakar Rabiu (Defendant), with number HC/ADSY/77CA/2021.
It came up Friday under an application for commencement of trial under section 111(b) of the defendant (Sheriff) of Adamawa state Administration of Criminal Justice law 2018.
The application stated that Sheriff is in court under Section 106 (1) of Adamawa State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2018 which provides for the commencement of trial in the High Court by way of the information filed by the Attorney General of the state.
“We exercise the power of the Attorney General by our position as state counsel in his chambers as provided for in Section 108 (a) of the Adamawa State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2018,” the application reads.
Counsel for Sheriff, M. I. Otokpa, and I. Muhammad put up a defence, seeking bail on the grounds of health challenges.
While giving her ruling, Justice Hafsat granted the defendant bail on the condition that a bond of N100 million and a reliable surety would be provided.
She adjourned hearing on the matter to January 12, 2022.
