The Yobe State High Court in Damaturu has sentenced Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar to 37 years in prison for a N29 million fraud involving the delivery of sorghum to customers in Potiskum town.
Court Details and Charges
Justice Lawu Lawan delivered the judgment on April 23, 2026, after prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Maiduguri Zonal Directorate. The convict was found guilty on four counts, including obtaining by false pretense, forgery, and criminal misappropriation.
Fraud Scheme
The court heard that Abubakar posed as a Procurement Officer of BUA Foods Plc and convinced victims to pay N29,175,000 for the supply of 38.9 metric tonnes of white sorghum. He used forged agreements, receipts, and company documents to perpetrate the fraud.
Prosecuting counsel Mukhtar Ali Ahmed presented five witnesses and multiple documents to establish the case. The defendant pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial.
Sentence and Repayment Order
Justice Lawan handed down varying prison terms for the four counts, with options of fines ranging from N5,000 to N100,000. The convict was also ordered to refund N2.2 million to the victims or face an additional 10-year jail term.
The fraud began in 2023 in Potiskum, when Abubakar falsely claimed affiliation with BUA Foods Plc and issued fake documents. Victims paid but never received the goods.
The EFCC stated that the conviction underscores efforts to curb procurement fraud and protect businesses in the region.
