The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a prominent student leader, Comrade Mahmud A. Abubakar, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over an alleged N1.09 billion proceeds-of-criminal-conduct offence.
Abubakar, a former National President of the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NACES) and a figure involved in student leadership activities within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), was arraigned before Justice N.C. Nwabulu on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The EFCC brought a two-count charge against the defendant, alleging that he retained and transferred funds which the commission said were proceeds of criminal conduct.
According to the prosecution, the alleged transactions occurred between January and December 2024.
In the first count, the EFCC alleged that Abubakar retained control of N795,360,000 in an Access Bank account bearing his name.
The commission alleged that the defendant knew the funds were derived from criminal conduct, describing the alleged offence as contrary to Section 17(a) and punishable under Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.
The second count alleged that Abubakar transferred N303,616,008 from the same Access Bank account to one Suleiman Umar, with the EFCC claiming that the defendant knew the money was derived from criminal conduct.
The two counts put the total value of the funds allegedly involved at N1,098,976,008.
Abubakar pleads not guilty
Abubakar pleaded not guilty to both counts.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Y.Y. Tarfa, asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
However, defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu, filed a bail application, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
Justice Nwabulu subsequently granted the defendant bail subject to conditions, including the provision of two sureties who must be Level 15 civil servants.
The court further directed that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the Federal Capital Territory.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the judge ordered that Abubakar be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
The case was adjourned until September 30, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Abubakar’s student leadership background
Abubakar is a former National President of the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NACES), where he was involved in advocacy on issues relating to students’ welfare and academic development.
He has also participated in student leadership activities associated with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and has been linked to campaigns around youth empowerment, academic development, skills acquisition and student representation.
His arraignment before the FCT High Court, however, relates specifically to the financial allegations contained in the EFCC charge linking Hajia Halima Tejuosho.
