The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone has scheduled January 19 and 20, 2026, as definite hearing dates for the high-profile case involving alleged theft of gold jewellery valued at N300 million.
Case Details and Defendants
Three defendants—Rukhayat Usman Abbeyson, Lauretu Ahmed, and Sagir Ahmed—face charges of criminal conspiracy and theft brought by the Commissioner of Police. The alleged theft occurred on March 23, 2024, at the residence of Hajia Halima Suleiman located at No. 26 A, Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja.
According to court documents, Abbeyson worked as a personal assistant to Hajia Halima Suleiman and is accused of being the mastermind behind the theft. The charge sheet indicates she had exclusive access to the safe containing the jewellery and was the only person besides the owner who knew the combination to open it.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
During the recent court session before Justice Nwosu-Iheme, the case faced another delay. C.G. Okafor, representing Adama Musa, informed the court that while Musa had prepared a witness, he was unwell and unable to proceed. The senior lawyer, Ishaka Mudi Dikko, SAN, who led the defense team, apologized for the inconvenience and requested an adjournment.
The prosecution did not oppose the request for postponement. Justice Nwosu-Iheme emphasized that all parties must be fully prepared for the January 2026 hearing dates, marking them as definite for the case to proceed.
Evidence and Defense Claims
The prosecution has assembled substantial evidence, including witness and defendant statements, a compact disc containing voice notes and call recordings, bank account statements from Stanbic, Zenith, and Providus Banks, purchase receipts, photographs of both the stolen jewellery and the safe, and printed chat messages.
Despite the evidence presented, all three defendants maintain their innocence, claiming they are being falsely accused and denying any involvement in the theft. The defendants had previously applied for Justice Nwosu-Iheme to recuse herself from the case, but the judge declined, stating they failed to prove any bias in her handling of the matter.
The court has ensured that all proceedings will be properly captured in the official record as the case moves toward its January 2026 hearing dates.
