“I Was Not Involved In Body Of Benchers Building Project” — NJC Secretary Gambo Absolves Self Of Corruption Allegations

The Secretary of the National Judicial Council, Ahmed Gambo has denounced allegations of short practices and corruption against him in respect of the recently completed Body of Benchers Building Project in Abuja.

It was recently reported that a three-man panel was set up by the Body of Benchers to probe the allegation by a former Court of Appeal President and Member of the Body of Benchers Building Committee, Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi concerning payment of N800 million to Boygues (now BGL Nigeria Limited) without following due process.

Subsequent to the setting up of the panel, the NJC Secretary has been pointed at from some quarters of allegations of corruption involved in the disbursement of funds for building the said facility.

However, Saleh who has served as Secretary of the NJC since 2017 has strongly denied reports that he is subject to any probe by any panel.

He also denied in absolute terms any involvement with the project.

Saleh stated that the NJC only made disbursement to the Body of Benchers in line with its approved budget by the National Assembly, adding that while the project was initially billed to cost N13 billion, it was pruned down through due diligence.

He noted that every court and judicial body prepares and defends its budget at the National Assembly, adding that “the project had its own personnel. I do not disburse money on projects. I am not a part of the project. I did not administer the project. I only disburse funds to courts and judicial bodies based on budgets approved by the National Assembly.”

He also claimed the accusations were trumped up by “a sponsor” whom he alleged in bent on his downfall.