By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the remand of a Director of Lands with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Adamu Jubrin Hussaini, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment over alleged forgery of statutory land title documents.
The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on forgery, contrary to Section 362 and punishable under Section 363 of the Penal Code.
According to the charge, Hussaini, on or about 5th June, 2023, while serving as Director of Lands, FCTA, allegedly forged the signature of Mainasara Garba Babayo, a former Director of Land Administration, FCTA, on three Statutory Rights of Occupancy purportedly issued in favour of Etha Ventures Limited.
The affected plots are Plot 3128, Plot 3129, and Plot 1204, all located in Cadastral Zone E07, Lugbe Central, Abuja.
In the proof of evidence, the Commission stated that the case arose from intelligence and a subsequent petition received from members of the public over alleged fraudulent allocation and re-allocation of lands by some officials of the FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Investigations by the Commission revealed that Hussaini was appointed Director of Land Administration, FCTA, in 2016, having taken over from Mainasara Garba Babayo, who served in that capacity between 2011 and August 2016 before his redeployment. Despite this, the defendant allegedly issued and signed land title documents dated 5th June, 2023, bearing Babayo’s name as signatory—several years after he had left the department.
Count one against the defendant reads: “That you Adamu Jubrin Hussaini (M), Director of Lands, Federal Capital Territory Administration [FCTA), Abuja on the 5th June, 2023 or thereabout at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court forged the signature of Mainasara Garba Babayo, the former Director of Land Administration, FCTA on a Statutory Right of Occupancy dated 5th June, 2023 over Plot 3128 in Cadastral Zone EO7, Lugbe Central, Abuja in favour of Etha Ventures Limited and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 362 and punishable under Section 363 of the Penal Code.”
Mr. Hussaini however pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the three-count charge was read to him.
ICPC’s Prosecutor, Mr. Golden Iwuagu applied to the court to grant a date for the commencement of trial.
The Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice, Husseini Baba Yusuf after listening to the arguments of all parties adjourned the case to 12th of March 2026 for further proceedings.
Justice Yusuf also granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N20 Million and a surety in like sum.
“The surety must be a Deputy Director serving or retired with landed property covered by C of O within AMAC and the C of O is to be deposited with the Registrar of the Court.” The judge ruled.
It was also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail application.
The ICPC reiterates its commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding public assets, including land resources, and urges public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their duties.
