Justice Mojisola Dada dismissed the defendants’ no-case submissions, agreeing with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that a prima facie case had been established. The court found that the prosecution provided sufficient oral and documentary evidence linking the defendants to the charges.

Abubakar and the foundation face a five-count charge for obtaining money by false pretense and stealing ₦950 million from Ano Farms Limited.

EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari-Bala opposed the defendants’ applications, arguing that testimony from five witnesses and various documentary exhibits proved all essential ingredients of the offenses. The EFCC initiated its investigation in September 2022 following a petition from Ano Farms Limited, alleging the defendants fraudulently obtained the funds for a promised forex transaction.

Ano Farms needed $1.25 million for agricultural imports and was introduced to a Lebanese national, Dr. Abu Omer Fawzi, agreeing to an exchange rate of ₦760 per dollar. Dr. Fawzi instructed the company to transfer the ₦950 million naira equivalent to the Young Alhaji Foundation’s First Bank account.

The prosecution stated that while the transfer was successful, the promised foreign exchange was never delivered. Evidence admitted included WhatsApp conversations between Ano Farms and Dr. Fawzi, and bank records confirming the funds were credited to the foundation’s account, despite the defendants’ denials.

Buhari-Bala also argued that the defendants tried to withdraw the funds even after the account was legally restricted. Furthermore, they gave inconsistent explanations about the money’s ownership; while initially denying knowledge, Abubakar later claimed the funds as part payment for a debt owed to him.

The prosecutor emphasized that these contradictions, along with the evidence, required the defendants to answer the charges. Concurring with the prosecution, Justice Dada ordered the defendants to open their defense.

In separate news, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has clarified that Senator Kwankwaso did not purchase any nomination forms from the party. Responding to claims on ARISE Television that Kwankwaso had acquired 69 nomination forms to influence the party before the 2027 elections, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the allegations. He emphasized that it would have been impossible for Kwankwaso to buy these forms, noting that the former governor has no official affiliation with the PRP. Furthermore, Baba-Ahmed stated that the individual making the allegations is not a member of the party.

Bwala further alleged that Obi has adopted contradictory stances on significant national issues. According to the presidential aide, Obi previously supported key policies—specifically the removal of fuel subsidies, the establishment of state policing, and the unification of the foreign exchange system—before the 2023 elections, only to oppose them once they were implemented by the current government. Bwala stated:

• He questioned why national progress seems to anger Obi, suggesting that Obi’s opposition is inconsistent with his stated desire to govern the nation.

• Bwala claimed that prior to the 2023 elections, Obi advocated for fuel subsidy removal, state police, and a unified foreign exchange system, but has since reversed his position on these same policies after their implementation.

• The presidential aide concluded by asserting that Obi appears uncertain about his own plans for the country.