Alleged N300m Gold Theft: Court Adjourns Case to January 19

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2 has adjourned to January 19 and 20, 2026, the hearing of a case involving three defendants accused of stealing gold jewellery worth N300 million.

Those standing trial are Rukhayat Usman Abbeyson, Lauretu Ahmed, and Sagir Ahmed. The Commissioner of Police is the complainant in the suit.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme fixed the new dates for definite hearing, stressing that all parties must come fully prepared when the case resumes.

During the previous proceedings, counsel C.G. Okafor, who represented Adama Musa, told the court that Musa had prepared a witness but could not appear due to illness. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ishaka Mudi Dikko, led the legal team for the defendants.

Okafor apologised for the inconvenience and requested an adjournment. The defence team did not object. The senior lawyer also asked the court to ensure that all proceedings were accurately recorded.

Allegations Against the Defendants

The defendants are accused of conspiring to steal gold jewellery belonging to Hajia Halima Suleiman on March 23, 2024, at her residence located at No. 26A, Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja.

According to the charge sheet, Abbeyson, who worked as Suleiman’s personal assistant, is alleged to be the mastermind since she had access to the safe and knew the combination code alongside the owner.

Exhibits include witness statements, the defendants’ statements, a compact disc containing voice notes and phone conversations, bank statements from Stanbic, Zenith, and Providus Banks, purchase receipts, photographs of the stolen items and the safe, as well as chat message printouts.

The defendants have maintained their innocence, insisting they were falsely accused.

They previously applied for Justice Nwosu-Iheme to step down from the case, but the judge refused, ruling that they failed to show any evidence of bias.


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Eight Phone Snatchers Jailed in Lagos

Meanwhile, eight men arrested for snatching mobile phones on the Mile 2 pedestrian bridge in Lagos have been sentenced to six months in prison.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the arrests, noting that they were made during a morning operation by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC).

The convicts, Anthony Osinachi (21), Victor Onuoha (45), Rowland Ede (25), Daniel Chisom (24), Emmanuel Chukwu (35), Ogbonnaya Uchechi (18), Godday Eke (28), and Benjamin G. (30), were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Bolade, Oshodi. All pleaded guilty and were given identical six-month sentences.

Wahab commended LAGESC officials for their swift action and urged Lagos residents to stay vigilant and report criminal activities.

The move is part of the ongoing efforts by the state government to curb crime and enforce public order. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal structures, criminal hideouts, and environmental violations.

Recent enforcement operations also led to the arrest of six suspected “one-chance” criminals operating under the Ijora Bridge corridor.