Nigeria’s Supreme Court has reopened the long-running corruption case involving former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, directing that his trial resume at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a decisive ruling, the apex court overturned earlier judgments that had halted the proceedings, clearing the way for prosecutors to continue presenting their case against Lamido, his two sons, and other co-defendants.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court delivered two unanimous decisions in appeals filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the Federal Government.
The court faulted the Court of Appeal’s decision that had terminated the case on jurisdictional grounds.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abubakar Umar ruled that the appellate court erred when it upheld the defendants’ no-case submission and struck out the charges.
He restored the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, which had ordered the defendants to open their defence.
“The trial court acted within the confines of the law and jurisdiction,” Justice Umar held, stressing that serious criminal allegations should be tested through full trial rather than terminated prematurely.
The case centres on a 37-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and money laundering involving about N1.35 billion.
Prosecutors alleged that the funds were received as kickbacks from contractors who handled projects awarded by the Jigawa State Government during Lamido’s tenure.
According to the EFCC, the alleged transactions occurred between 2007 and 2015, when Lamido served two terms as governor.
Investigators claim the funds were laundered through personal accounts and corporate entities linked to the defendants.
Those standing trial alongside the former governor include his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar.
Two companies, Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited, are also listed as corporate defendants.
Reacting to the ruling, a senior EFCC official described the judgment as “a significant affirmation that corruption cases must be heard on their merits.”
The official added that the commission remains committed to diligent prosecution.
The ruling marks a major turning point in a case that has faced years of legal delays and procedural challenges, reinforcing the Supreme Court’s position on accountability and the proper interpretation of jurisdiction in criminal trials.