18th February 2025
The trial of suspected Taraba kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Abdulkadir (alias Julde), was delayed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to a dispute over the complainant’s legal representative.
Abdulkadir and six others face a 19-count charge of terrorism and kidnapping, filed by the Inspector General of Police. At the last hearing, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) requested an adjournment to allow his office to take over the case.
However, confusion arose in court when two lawyers, Bello Iliyasu and O.G. Mathias, both claimed to represent the complainant. When asked to clarify, two different individuals each pointed to a different lawyer.
Mathias’s client, Abubakar Mohammed, claimed he was the complainant but was surprised to learn that an affidavit had been filed on his behalf to withdraw the case—something he denied authorizing. He also alleged his picture and signature were fraudulently attached to the document.
Justice Emeka Nwite confirmed a counter-affidavit opposing the withdrawal but noted that the prosecution and defense had not been served. He ordered Mathias to serve them and adjourned the case to April 7, 2025.
