The Yobe State High Court in Damaturu has sentenced Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar to 37 years imprisonment for defrauding victims of N29.175 million in a fake procurement deal.
Justice Lawu Lawan delivered the judgment on Thursday, April 23, 2026, after the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission secured the conviction.
Abubakar was arraigned on four counts of obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, forgery, and using forged documents as genuine. He pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial.
According to the EFCC, Abubakar posed as a procurement officer of BUA Foods PLC in 2023 in Potiskum.
He collected N29,175,000 from Ibrahim Zakari Waziri, Shittu Ali Firi, and Afreebak Nigeria Limited, claiming the sum was payment for the supply of 38.9 metric tons of white sorghum.
To back the scheme, he forged a BUA Foods supply agreement dated December 10, 2024, an official statement dated October 7, 2014, and an acknowledgment of receipt of 38.9 metric tons of white sorghum — all purportedly from BUA Foods Plc. He issued the fake documents to the petitioners.
Prosecution counsel Mukhtar Ali Ahmed called five witnesses and tendered several exhibits during the trial.
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*Sentencing breakdown:*
– *Count 1 – Obtaining by false pretence*: N100,000 fine or 10 years imprisonment.
– *Count 2*: N5,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment.
– *Count 3 – Forgery*: N100,000 fine or 8 years imprisonment.
– *Count 4 – Using forged documents*: N60,000 fine or 7 years imprisonment.
Justice Lawan also ordered Abubakar to refund N29,175,000 to the petitioners or serve an additional 10 years.
In total, the convict faces 37 years in prison if he fails to pay the fines and restitution.
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