Court Remands Ex-SDP Chairman Gabam Over Alleged Fund Mismanagement

The Federal Capital Territory Chief Magistrate Court has remanded the expelled former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, over alleged criminal misappropriation, breach of trust and forgery linked to 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 filed by the current SDP National Chairman, Sadiq Abubakar, under provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

During proceedings, counsel to the complainant told the court that the prosecution required time to respond to the bail application filed by the defendants.

The court, however, granted Gabam bail in the sum of N3 million with two sureties who must own landed property within Abuja.

Chief Magistrate Onyedium also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court registrar pending the determination of the case.

The matter was adjourned until May 25 for further hearing.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, Abubakar said the party was forced to seek judicial intervention after several petitions submitted to relevant agencies allegedly failed to attract action.

He claimed that the party earlier submitted bank statements and financial documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, requesting investigation into alleged financial irregularities under the former leadership.

According to him, an audit report submitted during the period under review indicated that the party generated only N32 million, with nearly N31 million allegedly unaccounted for.
Abubakar further alleged that party officials later uncovered records from two bank accounts allegedly showing transactions amounting to about N740 million.

He said the discovery raised serious concerns over accountability and transparency in the management of party funds.

The SDP chairman added that petitions were forwarded to the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Department of State Services, DSS.

He, however, alleged that no concrete action was taken before the party instituted 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 set up 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 is part of efforts to restore discipline, accountability and transparency within the party.