The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gwagwalada has arraigned a former senator representing Adamawa North, Ishaku Elisha Abbo, over allegations of rape involving a 13-year-old schoolgirl.
Abbo and a second defendant were brought before the court on Wednesday in a criminal matter filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The case, Charge No: CR/635/25, titled Inspector General of Police v. Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo & Anor, is being heard before Justice I. Mohammed in Court 50 of the FCT High Court, Gwagwalada.
When proceedings commenced, the court confirmed that the matter was properly constituted and that all parties were present.
Counsel appearances were announced with J. B. Anzaku representing the prosecution, while M. J. Numa (SAN) appeared for Abbo. Sunusi Musa (SAN) represented the second defendant.
Two other lawyers, K. O. Otumala and Dahiru Ibrahim, were present to watch brief for the nominal complainant, but the arrangement immediately drew an objection from Abbo’s legal team.
Abbo’s counsel challenged the propriety of “watching brief” in a superior court of record, urging the judge not to recognise their appearance.
Justice Mohammed, however, cautioned the defence against escalating what he described as a minor issue, directing counsel to provide judicial authorities in support of the objection. The judge added that the appearance could be struck out if the authorities were convincing.
Despite the objection, the court continued with the arraignment as the charges were read to both defendants in open court.
Following their not guilty pleas, counsel for the two defendants informed the court that bail applications had been filed and sought permission to move them.
The court granted the request, after which Abbo’s counsel argued his bail application. The prosecution filed a counter-affidavit in response, though it did not oppose the application. Defence counsel, however, raised concerns over what he termed late service of the counter-affidavit.
The second defendant’s bail application was also moved, with the prosecution similarly responding through a counter-affidavit.
After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Mohammed stood the matter down briefly to prepare rulings. On resumption, the court granted bail to both defendants with conditions.
Abbo was granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties of good repute, and was ordered to surrender his international passport. The second defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦40 million, also with two sureties of good repute.
The case was adjourned to February 11, 2026, for hearing.
The arraignment follows earlier reports that the Nigeria Police filed multiple charges against the former lawmaker, relating to allegations of rape and sexual assault involving a minor. Investigators reportedly concluded there was sufficient basis for the matter to be tested in court.
Abbo represented Adamawa North Senatorial District until he lost his seat after an appellate court decision in October 2023.
