A disturbing allegation has emerged in the escalating legal confrontation involving former Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin Giri, popularly known as Abu Giri, Ezekiel Biko, popularly known as Zezelaga, and activist Manasseh B.P.
According to information obtained by Chronicles Reporters from a source described as being close to Abu Giri and Zezelaga, a meeting was allegedly held at Abu Giri’s residence at the back of Hajji Camp, where a plan was allegedly discussed to prevent Manasseh from appearing at the next court proceeding.
The source alleges that the objective was to have the plan executed before October 19, the date connected to the ongoing court matter, with the ultimate purpose of ensuring that Manasseh would be physically unable to attend court.
According to the source, the alleged plan involved abducting Manasseh, subjecting him to severe beating and deliberately breaking his legs so that he would be unable to walk to court.
The allegation is particularly grave because, if established, it would suggest an attempt to interfere with an ongoing judicial process through physical violence rather than allowing the dispute to be determined in court.
The source further alleges that the purpose of incapacitating Manasseh was specifically connected to the forthcoming hearing, rather than merely an attempt to intimidate him.
In other words, the alleged objective was not simply to frighten Manasseh but to ensure that his physical condition would prevent him from appearing before the court on October 19.
The alleged meeting at Abu Giri’s residence therefore becomes a critical point requiring investigation.
Chronicles Reporters understands that the information concerning the alleged meeting and proposed execution of the plan came from a source who claims proximity to the individuals involved.
The allegations come against the background of an increasingly bitter dispute between Manasseh, Abu Giri and Zezelaga.
Manasseh has previously accused Abu Giri and Zezelaga of attempting to obtain a bench warrant against him in connection with the court proceedings. He subsequently alleged that the Magistrate declined to grant the warrant and directed that he be notified before the next adjourned date.
The latest allegation introduces an even more disturbing dimension to the dispute: whether an attempt was allegedly being considered to prevent Manasseh from exercising his right to appear before the court by physically incapacitating him.
The alleged instruction to break his legs is particularly serious.
If investigators establish that such an instruction was actually given, the matter would potentially involve far more than a disagreement between political actors or litigants. It would raise fundamental questions about alleged intimidation, unlawful violence and interference with judicial proceedings.
Chronicles Reporters is therefore calling for the relevant security authorities to investigate the allegation surrounding the reported meeting at Abu Giri’s residence at the back of Hajji Camp.
Investigators should establish who attended the alleged meeting, what was discussed, whether anyone was allegedly recruited to execute the plan, whether money or other logistics were provided, and whether there are communications, recordings, witnesses or other evidence capable of confirming or disproving the allegation.
The authorities should also establish whether any preparations were allegedly made to locate, abduct or assault Manasseh before the October 19 proceeding.
The seriousness of the allegation means that it should not be treated as ordinary political gossip.
At the same time, Abu Giri and Zezelaga are entitled to respond to the allegation and deny or explain any alleged involvement. Their names appearing in an allegation does not by itself establish criminal responsibility.
What must ultimately determine the truth is evidence.
The October 19 court date now assumes particular significance because of the allegation that the supposed plan was to be executed before that date.
If the allegation is false, an investigation should establish that clearly.
If the allegation is substantiated, however, the public will have legitimate questions about who conceived the alleged plan, who authorized it, who was expected to execute it and why violence was allegedly considered as a means of keeping a litigant away from court.
A courtroom is supposed to be a place where disputes are settled through evidence and due process.
No litigant should have to fear abduction or physical assault simply because he intends to attend a court hearing.
Chronicles Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the case and the October 19 proceeding, including any response from Abu Giri, Zezelaga, Manasseh and the relevant security authorities.
The allegation now before the authorities is specific: a meeting allegedly held at Abu Giri’s residence behind Hajji Camp, an alleged plan to abduct and severely assault Manasseh, an alleged instruction to break his legs, and an alleged deadline of October 19 intended to prevent him from appearing in court.
Those allegations demand investigation and, above all, attention to the safety of the person allegedly targeted.