Alleged Forgery: Lawyer Claims AMAC Chair’s Arraignment Delayed

The scheduled arraignment of Mr Christopher Zakka, chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), over alleged certificate forgery was postponed due to his lawyers citing ill health. The magistrate has adjourned the case until 23rd May 2025.

Zakka faces charges related to the alleged forgery of his First School Leaving Certificates, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2013 and 2021. The complaint, lodged by Mr Awalu Mohammed, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member and AMAC resident, alleges violations of the Penal Code Act.

After the court session, the complainant’s counsel, Joe Peter Israel, expressed concerns that Zakka may be stalling the proceedings by feigning illness, as no medical report was presented. He stated, “There is a bit of suspicion that Mr Christopher is trying to avoid this case from proceeding.”

Zakka allegedly submitted forged primary school certificates from different institutions during his candidacies for councillorship and chairmanship elections in 2013 and 2021, respectively. The complainant challenges the legitimacy of Zakka’s certificates and the accompanying affidavits.

Previously, Zakka reportedly threatened to arrest the complainant for false information. A recent development revealed that he sought intervention from a sitting minister, who refused, insisting that public officials must clear their names before assuming office.