Court Grants Ex-SDP Chairman Gabam N3m Bail Over Alleged Mismanagement Of Party Funds

The Federal Capital Territory Chief Magistrate Court has remanded the expelled former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, over allegations bordering on criminal misappropriation, breach of trust and forgery involving party funds.

Gabam was arraigned on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Amauche Onyedium alongside Chukwuma Ogbonna Uchechukwu in suit number DCC/10/2026.
The direct criminal complaint was instituted by the current SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Abubakar, under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
During the court proceedings, counsel to the complainant informed the court that the prosecution needed time to respond to the bail application submitted by the defendants.
Despite the request, the court granted Gabam bail in the sum of N3 million with two sureties who must possess landed property within Abuja.
Chief Magistrate Onyedium also directed the defendant to surrender his international passport to the court registrar pending the conclusion of the matter.
The case was subsequently adjourned until May 25 for further hearing.
Addressing journalists after the session, Abubakar said the party resorted to legal action after several petitions allegedly submitted to relevant agencies failed to yield results.
He stated that the party had earlier forwarded bank statements and financial records to the Independent National Electoral Commission requesting an investigation into alleged financial irregularities under the previous leadership.
According to him, an audit report covering the period under review showed that the party generated only N32 million, while nearly N31 million was allegedly unaccounted for.
Abubakar further alleged that party officials later uncovered records from two bank accounts allegedly indicating transactions worth about N740 million.
He said the discovery raised major concerns regarding accountability and transparency in the handling of party funds.
The SDP chairman added that petitions were also submitted to the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Department of State Services.
He, however, alleged that no significant action was taken before the party initiated direct criminal proceedings.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the SDP on June 24, 2025 suspended Gabam, National Youth Leader Ogbonna Uchechukwu and National Auditor Clarkson Nnadi over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.
An independent disciplinary committee was later constituted to investigate the allegations, after which the party’s National Working Committee approved a white paper recommending the expulsion of Gabam and Uchechukwu for alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The current SDP leadership said the legal action forms part of efforts aimed at restoring discipline, accountability and transparency within the party.