Group Demands Facts Over Pantami’s Abuja Property Allegations, Calls It “Trial by Media”

By Najeeb Sani

A coalition backing former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has urged the group “Concerned Gombe Citizens” to present evidence or withdraw allegations that the former minister acquired properties in Abuja through unexplained means.

In a rejoinder signed by the Secretary of the W Coalition of Northeast Movement for Good Governance, Ahijo Umar, the group said accountability must be “grounded in facts, evidence, and the law, not in speculation, innuendo, and political mischief.”

The coalition faulted the call for a probe by EFCC and ICPC, noting that the petitioners themselves described the claims as “allegations” without providing specifics such as dates of acquisition, addresses, purchase prices, or documentary proof.

“You cannot ask EFCC and ICPC to investigate a headline. Nigeria’s anti-graft laws require a prima facie case before public resources are deployed. Until such evidence is tabled, this is nothing but trial by media,” the statement read.

The group highlighted Pantami’s public service record as DG of NITDA and Minister for over 3 years, stating that he complied with Code of Conduct Bureau requirements including asset declaration as mandated by the 1999 Constitution.

It argued that the burden of proof lies with the accusers to show both the value of the alleged properties and that they are disproportionate to Pantami’s “known and legitimate sources of income over 20+ years of public service, academia, and Islamic scholarship.”

The rejoinder noted that before public office, Pantami was a Professor of Cybersecurity, an author, and a global Islamic scholar with decades of lectures, publications, and consulting. It added that he is entitled to income from legitimate private engagements and investments.

“To suggest that a former Minister cannot own property in Wuse, Abuja without it being ‘corrupt’ is to criminalize legitimate success and savings,” it stated.

The coalition said Pantami “has nothing to hide” and will cooperate fully with EFCC or ICPC if required. However, it rejected what it described as attempts to “weaponize anti-corruption agencies for political persecution ahead of the Gombe 2027 elections,” questioning why “Concerned Gombe Citizens” has not raised similar concerns about other public officials.

The group urged that public debate should focus on development issues in Gombe such as jobs, digital skills, IGR, and infrastructure. It cited Pantami’s role in growing Nigeria’s digital economy from ₦1.49trn to over ₦10trn and his proposed “Digital Gombe” plan.

The coalition called on Concerned Gombe Citizens to channel energy to “evidence-based advocacy” and to present any documents to EFCC/ICPC or retract and apologize.

“No one is above the law. But no one should be below the law either,” the statement concluded.