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Vote buying: Two PDP chieftains jailed two years

Published

3 years ago

March 12, 2023

Two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State, Saleh Hussaini Gamawa and Aminu Umar Gadiya, have been convicted by a Federal High Court of Bauchi and sentenced to two-year imprisonment for offences that bordered on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N142,460,000.00.

Justice Hassan Dikko convicted the duo on March 2, while ruling on the two counts brought against the defendants by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The defendants were first arraigned on June 4, 2018 and re-arraigned on October 16, 2018 on a two counts for allegedly receiving over N142 million to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential elections in Bauchi State.

Count one of the charge read, “That you, Saleh Hussaini Gamawa and Aminu Umar Gadiya, all members of the Finance and Funds Disbursement Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) 2015 General Elections, and in such capacities sometimes in March, 2015 in Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did agree amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit; Conspiracy to accept cash payment exceeding the threshold provided by law, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 16(2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012( as amended) now No.1, 2012”.

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Count two read, “That you, Sale Hussaini Gamawa and Aminu Umar Gadiya, all members of the of the Finance and Funds Disbursement Committee of the peoples ‘Democratic Party (PDP) 2015 General Elections, and in such capacities sometimes in March, 2015 in Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did accept cash payment of N142,460,000.00 ( One Hundred and Forty Two Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) from the Directorate of Finance, Bauchi State PDP Campaign Organization exceeding the required threshold of cash payment, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1, 16(1)(d) and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) now No.1, 2012.”

The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges, setting the stage for the case to proceed to full trial. In the course of trial, the prosecution presented one witness and tendered documents marked as Exhibits A1, A2 and A3. Both defendants testified in their respective defence.

At the close of evidence, the final written addresses were filed, exchanged and adopted on January 17, 2023, with the prosecution asking the court to convict the defendants as charged. The defence, on the other hand, submitted that the evidence presented against the defendant by the prosecution was not credible and urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendants. Justice Dikko then reserved judgment for March 2, 2023.

In the well-considered judgment that lasted more than three hours, Justice Dikko reviewed the facts of the case and the submissions of counsel and arrived at the conclusion that the prosecution proved the cases against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt on count one and convicted them as charged. He however discharged and acquitted the 2^nd defendant on count two.

Justice Dikko said, “The fact that the defendants in this instant case endorsed exhibit A1, A2 and A3 to receive cash to the tune of N142,460,,000.00, well in excess of the legal threshold designated by law, there can be no other conclusion but that the defendants conspired to so commit the offence and I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt. It is rather astonishing that in the defence of the count, the defendants completely disregarded the damaging evidence of exhibits A1,A2,and A3, lying right before the Court. I therefore find the 1^st and 2^nd defendants guilty of conspiracy as charged in court one and are accordingly convicted”.

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On Count Two, he said, “I have relied almost entirely on Exhibits A1, A2 and A3, and a close scrutiny of the Exhibits demonstrates that the 1^st defendant, Saleh Hussaini Gamawa received N105, 840,000.00 in Exhibit A1, N27, 650,000.00 in Exhibit A2 and N8, 970,000.00 in Exhibit A3, summing up to N142,460,000.00, all in the presence of, or witnessed by the 2^nd defendant Aminu Umar Gadiya. The content of these documents leaves no one in doubt as to who received the money, that is Saleh Hussaini Gamawa (1^st defendant) who is a natural person from the Bauchi State PDP Campaign Organization (Director of Finance) which is not a designated financial institution, and for the purpose of payment to participants during the National and Presidential Elections.

“The offence under Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 is one of strict liability. The fact of the payment or receipt of cash in excess of the threshold alone is sufficient to ground a conviction as can be noticed in the exhibits before this court and again, I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, I find the 1srt defendant guilty of the count and is accordingly convicted. The 2^nd defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted on this count””.

In his allocutus, the 1^st defendant urged the court to be lenient and temper justice with mercy. “I have a large family which includes the family of my elder brother who turned blind and cannot fend for his family; they look up to me for sustenance, since the beginning of this case neither the political party nor the Government came to my rescue, thus I urge the court to forgive me”, he stated.

The 2^nd defendant also pleaded for leniency, arguing that he is a retiree and had not benefited from the money.

Before sentencing the defendants, Justice Dikko acknowledged their pleas for leniency but insisted that they must be punished to serve as deterrent to others.

“I consider your pleas that you have family who will suffer in your absence thus I will be lenient, however your offences must be punished appropriately to deter others in the society from perpetrating same,” he said.

He consequently sentenced the 1^st and 2^nd defendants to 2 years imprisonment at the Bauchi Correction Service or a fine of N3,000,000.00 each in lieu of imprisonment on count one; while the 1^st defendant bagged a further two years imprisonment or a fine of N3,000,000.00 in lieu of imprisonment on count two.

The sentences are to run concurrently from March 2, 2023.

Related Topics:conspiracy Featured money laundering PDP

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26 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities, Burn Police Station, Homes

Published

2 hours ago

February 14, 2026

Trends Admin

26 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities, Burn Police Station, Homes

A fresh bandit attack in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, has left at least 26 people dead, destroyed homes, looted shops, and burnt down a police station, heightening fears in communities already plagued by insecurity. The raid targeted Tungan Makeri and Nkpaso communities in Konkoso ward during the early hours of Saturday, with gunmen reportedly moving house to house in a coordinated assault.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to number over 200 heavily armed men, executed some victims after tying their hands behind their backs. Seven of the deceased were reportedly slaughtered outright, while others were shot. Survivors fled in panic, leaving behind belongings, homes, and shops as the assailants razed property in their path.

The bandits also burnt down the police station at Konkoso, forcing officers on duty to flee. Although no weapons were reportedly taken, the destruction of the security post underscores the attackers’ dominance during the raid. Local sources suggest the assault may have been retaliatory, targeting communities that recently petitioned the federal government for a military base to curb escalating attacks.

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A community insider explained that the attackers told residents the government could not protect them and warned of further raids. Those killed were reportedly among the villagers advocating for federal intervention, sending a chilling warning to others.

This attack follows a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) appeal made last week by political and traditional leaders in Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, requesting the federal government urgently deploy troops and establish a military base. Leaders described the security situation as “worrisome and scary,” with the entire Borgu Kingdom under siege from bandits and criminals over the past three months.

Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, noted that residents now live in constant fear, unable to farm, trade, or carry out daily activities safely. He called for urgent government intervention to restore peace.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Niger State Government nor the state police command has issued an official response to the attack. Security experts warn that the latest raid underscores the escalating security crisis in Niger State and North-Central Nigeria, calling for swift military reinforcement, better intelligence deployment, and protection of vulnerable communities.

26 Killed as Bandits Attack Niger Communities, Burn Police Station, Homes

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‘Anti-Muslim Timetable’: MURIC Slams INEC Over 2027 Elections

Published

2 hours ago

February 14, 2026

Trends Admin

MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola

‘Anti-Muslim Timetable’: MURIC Slams INEC Over 2027 Elections

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the commission of acting as if there are no Muslims in Nigeria by fixing major election dates within the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued on 14 February 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the timetable as exclusive, insensitive and provocative, warning that it could disenfranchise millions of Muslim voters across the country.

According to the schedule announced in Abuja on 13 February 2026 by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, the presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for 20 February 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are fixed for 6 March 2027. MURIC noted that Ramadan is projected to begin around 8 February and end about 10 March 2027, meaning all major elections would take place during the fasting period.

The organisation argued that holding elections during Ramadan would impose severe hardship on Muslim voters, electoral officials, ad hoc staff and security personnel who would be fasting while participating in a physically demanding national exercise. According to MURIC, this could lead to fatigue, reduced voter turnout and heightened tension at polling units.

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MURIC further accused INEC of failing to consider Nigeria’s religious diversity, questioning whether Muslim staff or commissioners were consulted during the drafting of the timetable. The group said proper consultation with past INEC chairmen would have highlighted the need to avoid scheduling elections during major national or religious events.

The group warned that the implications of the timetable go beyond inconvenience, alleging that it amounts to religious discrimination and an attempt to alienate and disenfranchise Nigerian Muslims. It also expressed concern that fasting security personnel and election workers could face excessive stress during early-morning deployments and long election hours.

Professor Akintola added that continued disregard for Muslim concerns could fuel anger among youths, warning that frustration may escalate if the timetable is not reviewed. He maintained that the election calendar gives the impression that Muslim opinions no longer matter in government decision-making.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not responded to MURIC’s claims or indicated whether it plans to review the 2027 election timetable. The development has sparked debate nationwide, with growing calls for inclusive and sensitive election planning in a multi-religious society like Nigeria.

‘Anti-Muslim Timetable’: MURIC Slams INEC Over 2027 Elections

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Boko Haram Terrorists Release Video of 176 Abducted Kwara Residents

Published

3 hours ago

February 14, 2026

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Boko Haram Terrorists Release Video of 176 Abducted Kwara Residents

Suspected members of Boko Haram, formally known as Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, have circulated a video showing 176 abducted residents allegedly taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The disturbing footage, which has since sparked outrage and fear across the state, reportedly shows dozens of women and children seated in rows in an open area, surrounded by armed men. Among them were a nursing mother and several minors. Some of the children appeared half-clothed, while many of the captives looked visibly distressed, suggesting harsh conditions in captivity.

In the video, one of the armed men interrogates the captives, asking where they were abducted. Responding in Hausa, three women — including a nursing mother — stated that they were kidnapped from Woro community in Kaiama LGA.

During the recording, the terrorist accused the Kwara State Government of downplaying the scale of the abduction. According to him, while officials reportedly claimed that between 20 and 30 persons were kidnapped, the group insisted it was holding 176 victims.

“The Kwara State government lied to Nigeria and to the whole world,” the gunman alleged in the footage.

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As of the time of this report, the Kwara State Government has not publicly confirmed the number of persons abducted from Woro community nor officially responded to the claims made in the video.

Background to the Attack

The video emerged weeks after a deadly attack on Woro community on February 4, 2026, when suspected terrorists stormed the area in a coordinated assault. Local sources reported that several residents were killed during the invasion, including family members of the Emir of Woro, the Chief Imam, and education officials.

The traditional ruler, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, was reported missing following the attack, fuelling concerns that he may have been abducted during the raid. The assailants reportedly attacked both residents and travellers passing through the community, killing indiscriminately before retreating.

Security analysts have linked the attackers to extremist elements believed to have operational ties across the Sahel region, raising concerns about the possible expansion of insurgent networks into parts of North-Central Nigeria previously considered relatively stable.

Rising Security Concerns in Kwara

The incident has heightened anxiety across Kaiama LGA and surrounding districts, particularly in Kwara North, where residents say rural communities remain vulnerable due to limited security presence and difficult terrain.

While security agencies have reportedly intensified surveillance and deployment in affected areas, there has been no official statement confirming rescue operations or negotiations regarding the abducted victims.

Community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security forces to urgently intervene to secure the safe release of the captives and prevent further attacks.

The emergence of the video has once again drawn national attention to the evolving security challenges in Kwara State and the need for coordinated efforts to curb the spread of extremist violence beyond the North-East region.