University Takes Action Against Senior Academic Following Explosive Report
The American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, has suspended the Dean of its School of Law, Associate Professor Bello Magaji, following revelations about his past conviction and alleged misrepresentation of employment records.
The decision comes after an investigative report exposed how Mr. Magaji, a former military police officer, never served a prison sentence for a sodomy conviction despite the judgment being upheld by Nigeria’s Supreme Court.
In a statement issued on Monday by the university registrar, Daniel Okereke, AUN announced that Mr. Magaji has been placed on indefinite leave without pay while a special administrative panel reviews the matter.
According to the university, the suspension was prompted by the discovery of Mr. Magaji’s failure to disclose his previous military service and the alleged falsification of information contained in his employment records during the hiring process.
“These actions constitute a fundamental breach of trust and are considered matters of serious concern by the University,” the statement noted.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability across all its operations.
Conviction Upheld, Yet No Jail Term Served
The controversy stems from a report detailing how Mr. Magaji, a former Nigerian Army military police officer, was convicted of sodomy by a General Court Martial (GCM) in 1997.
The military tribunal initially sentenced him to seven years imprisonment, later reducing the term to five years after finding him guilty of engaging in sodomy involving four boys, including a 17-year-old.
Court records indicate that during the trial, two victims and a witness testified that Mr. Magaji allegedly intoxicated the boys with alcohol before engaging in unlawful sexual acts with them in 1996.
Mr. Magaji has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he was framed due to his role in prosecuting sensitive cases while serving as a military police officer.
He challenged the conviction through multiple legal channels, including the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court. In 2008, Nigeria’s apex court affirmed the conviction, effectively exhausting his legal options.
Presidential Pardon and Academic Rise
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Mr. Magaji never served the prison sentence.
In a controversial turn of events, former President Goodluck Jonathan granted him a presidential pardon in 2013.
Reports further indicate that official military records were later altered, changing his status from dismissal from service to voluntary retirement.
Following his departure from the military, Mr. Magaji successfully transitioned into academia, building a distinguished career and occupying senior positions in several Nigerian universities, including serving as Dean of Law faculties.
However, the latest revelations have cast a shadow over his academic achievements and raised questions about transparency, accountability, and background verification within higher education institutions.
As AUN’s administrative review proceeds, the outcome could have significant implications for both the university and Mr. Magaji’s academic career.
