The leadership crisis within the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has deepened as a Magistrate Court in Abuja ordered the remand of former AFAN president, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, at the Keffi Correctional Centre over allegations of impersonation, criminal intimidation, and incitement.
Delivering her ruling, Hon. Justice Ekpeyong held that Ibrahim’s continued claim to AFAN leadership, despite multiple court defeats, was unlawful and amounted to criminal impersonation under Section 132 of the Penal Code, criminal intimidation under Section 397, and incitement of public disturbance under Section 114.
The court noted that Ibrahim had lost his leadership claim both at the Federal High Court in 2022 and subsequently at the Court of Appeal, yet persisted in parading himself as AFAN president.
Unable to produce sureties for his bail, Ibrahim was ordered to be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
Reacting to the development in an exclusive interview with AgroNigeria, AFAN’s recognized president, Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, described the ruling as a significant step toward restoring unity and order within the association.
“For almost six years, Ibrahim’s actions destabilized AFAN, sowing division among farmers and cooperatives nationwide,” Mudi said. “The crisis has, in some cases, even cost lives, scattered commodity associations, and made it increasingly difficult to bring members together under one umbrella.”
Mudi further alleged that Ibrahim continued to impersonate AFAN leadership even after the 2022 judgment, including writing to media houses in the association’s name in a bid to tarnish its image.
Despite the prolonged crisis, Mudi reiterated AFAN’s openness to reconciliation if Ibrahim chooses to return peacefully and support the association’s vision. He also revealed that plans are underway to amend AFAN’s constitution to strengthen it against future impersonation attempts.
“My message to Nigerian farmers is to remain patient and united. Justice is already taking shape, and we are on a clear roadmap to building strong leadership that will take Nigerian farmers to the promised land,” he assured.
Meanwhile, one of Ibrahim’s alleged accomplices, Chief Okafor, who also claimed to be AFAN’s vice president, has been arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja.
AgroNigeria gathered that a manhunt is ongoing for other suspects linked to the case, while the matter has been adjourned for further hearing.
