SDP: Court adjourns trial to August 17 as chairman cites strong financial evidence

The trial of former Social Democratic Party (SDP) officials accused of financial crimes has been postponed to August 17, 2026. The court announced it would not sit on Monday due to unforeseen circumstances, leading to the adjournment.

SDP National Chairman Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe, speaking after appearing in court, stated his confidence in the prosecution's case. He indicated that sufficient evidence has been gathered to prove the allegations against the defendants, which include criminal breach of trust and alleged misappropriation.

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Today is July 20, 2026. We came to court early enough, but unfortunately, the court announced that it would not be sitting due to unforeseen circumstances and apologised. We have now taken August 17 as the next adjourned date for the prosecution to continue.

Gombe mentioned that officials from Zenith Bank were present with requested financial documents, including the party's statement of account. However, they had to return without presenting them because the court did not convene. The Zenith Bank statement of account is considered a key piece of evidence that the prosecution intends to tender.

The SDP chairman alleged that a review of the party's 2024 financial records revealed suspicious transactions, including repeated payments to an individual without financial responsibility. He noted that this individual received 75 payments within one year, with some payments made multiple times in a single day. Gombe stressed the current leadership's commitment to accountability and transparency within political parties, viewing them as foundational to democracy.

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We have done our part by ensuring that all necessary evidence is available. One of the most important pieces of evidence is the Zenith Bank statement of account, which we intend to tender. We remain hopeful that on the next adjourned date, the court will receive the document and hear other witnesses.