Abuja Court Arraigns Ex-Senator Elisha Abbo Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse, Grants ₦50 Million Bail
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Gwagwalada, on Wednesday arraigned former Senator, Ishaku Elisha Abbo, over allegations of Child Sexual Abuse filed by the Inspector General of Police.
The former lawmaker appeared before Justice I. Mohammed alongside a co-defendant, where both men pleaded not guilty after the charges were read in open court.
The case, Inspector General of Police v. Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo & Anor (Charge No: CR/635/25), is being prosecuted by J.B. Anzaku on behalf of the police. Abbo is represented by M.J. Numa, SAN, while the co-defendant is represented by Sunusi Musa, SAN.
Following the taking of their pleas, defence counsel applied for bail. Although the prosecution filed counter-affidavits, it did not oppose the applications. In his ruling, Justice Mohammed granted Abbo bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties of good repute, and ordered him to deposit his international passport with the court. The co-defendant was admitted to bail in the sum of ₦40 million under similar conditions.
The court adjourned the matter to February 11, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Court filings indicate that the allegations arose from a complaint by a teenage secondary school student. Investigators told the court that the matter involved an alleged abuse of trust and that preliminary investigations produced sufficient grounds for prosecution. Details of the complaint were withheld to protect the identity and wellbeing of the complainant.
Abbo has previously been involved in legal controversies. In 2019, he was ordered by a court to pay damages in an assault-related case in Abuja. He has also faced other allegations of violent conduct, which he has denied.
The police filed nine counts against the former senator, including charges related to abuse of trust and unlawful conduct. The court emphasised that all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
