#Kogi Tribunal Latest: Ododo’s Legal Troubles Intensify with Possible Imprisonment and Removal from Office

As the hearing continues at the Kogi Gubernatorial Tribunal election, currently taking place at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo is now facing potential imprisonment and removal from office due to overwhelming evidence against him. On Thursday, March 29th, 2024, a commissioner of oaths, who is a staff member of the Federal High Court, testified before the Kogi Tribunal that the court affidavit attached to Usman Ahmed Ododo’s declaration of age did not originate from their office. The commissioner stated that the affidavit, which Ododo claimed was issued to him on August 3, 2003, did not bear the distinctive features of their documents. Additionally, he pointed out that August 3, 2003, fell on a Saturday, which was not a working day, making it unlikely for an affidavit to be issued on a weekend. The affidavit was presented as evidence before the tribunal, suggesting that if the case is judged impartially, Governor Ododo Ahmed Usman could not only lose his office but also face a three-year prison sentence under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, which penalizes fraudulent misrepresentation of oneself as another person. Furthermore, Ododo has been accused of perjury for lying about the Federal High Court, an offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison under Section 118 of the Criminal Code. There is speculation regarding whether the presidency will influence the court’s decision in favor of Ododo, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).