A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in the Abuja has remanded former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, over allegations bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, and misappropriation of party funds.Gabam appeared before Chief Magistrate Amauche Onyedium alongside Chukwuma Ogbonna Uchechukwu in a case marked DCC/10/2026.
The criminal complaint was reportedly filed by the current National Chairman of the SDP, Sadiq Abubakar, under provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel to the complainant informed the court that the prosecution required additional time to study and respond to the bail application submitted by the defendants.Following arguments from both parties, the court granted Gabam bail in the sum of N3 million with two sureties expected to own landed property within Abuja.
The court also directed the former SDP chairman to surrender his international passport to the court registrar pending the conclusion of the matter.Chief Magistrate Onyedium subsequently adjourned the case until May 25 for further hearing.
Speaking after the court session, SDP chairman Sadiq Abubakar claimed the party resorted to legal action after several petitions sent to relevant anti-corruption and security agencies allegedly failed to yield results.
According to him, financial documents and bank statements had earlier been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission for investigation into alleged irregularities involving party finances.
Abubakar alleged that an audit conducted during the previous leadership suggested the party generated about N32 million within the reviewed period, with a significant portion allegedly mismanaged.
He further claimed that additional financial documents later uncovered transactions linked to two separate bank accounts allegedly involving around N740 million, raising fresh concerns over accountability within the party.
The SDP leadership also alleged that petitions regarding the matter were forwarded to the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Department of State Services without significant action being taken.
The party subsequently initiated direct criminal proceedings before the court.Gabam, alongside Uchechukwu and former National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi, had earlier been suspended by the party in June 2025 over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.
An internal disciplinary panel was later set up by the party leadership to investigate the allegations before submitting its findings to the National Working Committee.
The committee’s recommendations reportedly led to the expulsion of Gabam and Uchechukwu from the party over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Several SDP state chairmen had also publicly backed the disciplinary action, accusing the former leadership of allegedly diverting funds belonging to the party.
The current leadership of the SDP insists the ongoing legal process is part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and internal discipline within the party.
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