The case, filed by the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, lists Akubue as the defendant in a matter dated 2013.
Afresh controversy has emerged within the Enugu State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the surfacing of court document indicating that the party’s state factional chairman, Prof Augustine Akubue, has faced forgery charges.
According to a certified true cop
y of a charge sheet obtained on Monday, Akubue is being prosecuted before an Enugu Magistrate Court on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and forgery.
The case, filed by the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, lists Akubue as the defendant in a matter dated 2013.
The document, marked “CME/25/2023” and signed by a Superintendent of Police, alleges that Akubue conspired with another individual currently at large to forge a memorandum of understanding dated September 6, 2013.
It read: “That you Professor Augustine Akubue, Male of No.1 Asaba lane, Asata Enugu and another at large on or about 6th September 2013 at plot 6/14 No. 4 Dhamijah Street, Trans Ekulu Housing Estate, Phase 4 Enugu town in the Enugu Magisterial District, did conspire within yourselves to commit the offence of forgery; you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 496 (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 30 Vol.II Revised laws of Enugu State Nigeria 2004.
“Count II: That you Professor Augustine Akubue, Male of No.1 Asaba lane, Asata Enugu and another at large on the said date, place and in the aforesaid magisterial district, did commit the offence of Forgery, in that you forged memorandum of understanding dated 6th September 2013. You hereby committed an offence punishable under Section 443 of the Criminal Code Cap 30, Vol. II Revised laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.”
The charges were brought under relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Enugu State, which prescribe penalties for forgery offences.
Forgery is classified as a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law, with penalties that may include imprisonment upon conviction.
The development has triggered tensions within the party, with some stakeholders raising concerns about Akubue’s eligibility to hold office.
They alleged that the existence of an ongoing criminal case was not disclosed during the party’s internal processes, where aspirants were required to declare any pending legal matters.
In a statement issued by a group identified as concerned ADC stakeholders in Enugu State, the party’s internal crisis was further highlighted, with allegations that Akubue’s emergence as chairman was influenced by political interests.
The statement, signed by Comrade Raphael Idoko on behalf of the group, insisted that Major General Chris Eze (retd) was the duly elected chairman following a congress conducted in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
The stakeholders called on the national leadership of the ADC to recognise Eze as the legitimate state chairman and to disregard any alternative list of executives allegedly submitted by other party figures.
They also urged the party leadership to uphold internal democracy and ensure that its processes are not undermined by controversies capable of affecting its credibility.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Akubue regarding the allegations or the court proceedings.
The situation underscores growing divisions within the Enugu ADC, with party members calling for clarity and adherence to due process to resolve the leadership dispute.
