Oluwatosin Ogunkolade
A Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Monday admitted financial and investigative documents in the alleged N626 million fraud case involving former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam.
The documents were tendered by the current SDP National Chairman, Prof. Abubakar Gombe, during proceedings before Chief Magistrate Amauche Onyedium of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court.
Onyedium gave a bench ruling affirming relevance of the documents tendered. She dismissed the objection by the counsel to defendants, Mukaila Yahaya.
Magistrate Onyedium affirmed the relevance of the documents in line with Section 2 to 19 of the Evidence Act.
Gombe, who testified as a prosecution witness, told journalists after the court session that the documents included reports of the party’s disciplinary committee, certified financial records, letters of invitation issued during internal investigations, and records linked to companies allegedly involved in transactions concerning party funds.
He alleged that some of the companies were used to divert and launder funds belonging to the party during Mr Gabam’s tenure as national chairman between 2022 and 2023.
“The court admitted several financial documents and records relating to the investigation. We believe the judicial process will help establish the facts surrounding the allegations,” Gombe said.
The case is the latest development in the prolonged leadership crisis that has divided the SDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute began after allegations of financial misconduct and constitutional breaches were levelled against Mr Gabam and some members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Following the allegations, a disciplinary panel set up by the party reportedly investigated the matter, leading to the suspension and eventual expulsion of Gabam by a faction of the party leadership loyal to Gombe.
However, supporters of the former chairman have consistently challenged the legitimacy of the disciplinary process and leadership changes within the party, insisting that due process was not followed.
Gombe maintained on Monday that the party acted within its constitutional powers in suspending and expelling Mr Gabam.
He also disclosed that the trial magistrate encouraged both parties to consider reconciliation outside the courtroom in an effort to resolve the lingering internal crisis.
It can be reported that Gabam was arraigned on May 12 over allegations bordering on the management and alleged misappropriation of about N626 million belonging to the party.
The court adjourned the matter until 17 June for continuation of hearing.
