A Magistrate Court in Zone 6, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of self-acclaimed President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Arc Kabir Ibrahim, at the Keffi Correctional Centre over allegations of impersonation, criminal intimidation, joint act, and incitement of public disturbance.
The case was brought before Hon. Justice Ekpeyong, who in her ruling held that Ibrahim had overstayed his lawful tenure as AFAN National President and continued to parade himself illegally despite several court judgments affirming Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi as the duly elected leader of the association since 2021.
Delivering her ruling, Justice Ekpeyong stated:
“You, Arc Kabir Ibrahim, were once lawfully elected as National President of AFAN. However, upon the expiration of your tenure, you willfully refused to vacate office. Consequently, the Association duly elected Mr. Farouk Mudi as its National President in 2021, and he has since been recognized as valid.”
She further noted that Ibrahim had previously challenged his removal in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/322/2020 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where judgment was entered against him on March 22, 2022. His subsequent appeal before the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, was also dismissed.
Despite these decisions, Ibrahim allegedly continued to impersonate the office of AFAN President, an act the court ruled was contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code Act.
The judge also found that his actions, in concert with other accomplices now at large, amounted to criminal intimidation and incitement likely to cause a breach of peace, contrary to Sections 397 and 114 of the Penal Code.
Unable to produce sureties to meet his bail conditions, Ibrahim was ordered to be remanded in Keffi Correctional Centre pending the determination of the case.
Reacting to the ruling, Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, recognized National President of AFAN, accused Ibrahim of repeatedly sabotaging the association’s progress.
He cited incidents where Ibrahim allegedly wrote to the Nigeria Sugar Development Council (NSDC) to frustrate support for outgrower farmers seeking loans, despite the nation’s sugar supply deficit of about 2%.
Dr. Mudi also alleged that Ibrahim attempted to block investment opportunities by writing to Tingo Mobile to discourage foreign direct investment in the agricultural value chain under his leadership.
“At every turn, Arc Kabir has acted in ways that undermine the over 15 million farmers and 80 commodity associations under AFAN,” Mudi said.
Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of another accomplice, Chief Okafor, a self-styled AFAN Vice President.
The Federal Investigation Department (FID) in Abuja is reportedly intensifying efforts to apprehend other cohorts nationwide.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.