Fresh details have emerged in a disputed gold transaction case involving $288,000 in Uganda, linking two Nigerian nationals, including an official of the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala. The Second Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Haruna Bukenya, has identified the High Commission's First Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Abdullahi, and Dr Sadiq Adam as people present during relevant stages of the transaction.
According to a letter dated September 14, 2026, addressed to the Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda, Bukenya stated that Abdullahi and Adam were present during the gold-testing process and a subsequent engagement at the diplomatic mission. Bukenya has asked the High Commission to preserve and facilitate access to CCTV footage from August 6, 2026, saying the recordings could provide an objective account of the events.
The disputed transaction involved Bukenya, businessman Muzamiru Elias Lubega, and other suspects who allegedly obtained $288,000 from Muhammad Kwaido in Kampala on August 6, 2026, by falsely claiming that they were selling him three kilogrammes of gold. The accused face charges of obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence.
A laboratory report issued by Nuran-Ventures Limited on August 6 indicates that three gold bars weighing a total of three kilogrammes were submitted for testing by Muhammad Ibrahim Abdullahi. The report gave an average gold content of 99.36 per cent, equivalent to 24 karats. However, the report cautions that its findings apply only to the samples received by the laboratory.
Bukenya is facing proceedings at Kampala City Hall Court alongside Lubega, the first accused in the alleged gold fraud case. On Wednesday, Senior Grade One Magistrate Edgar Karakire issued criminal summons requiring Bukenya to appear before court after the prosecution sought to compel his attendance. State prosecutor Miriam Akite told court that the prosecution could not provide the defence with the requested disclosures.
The case was adjourned to November 25, 2026, for mention. The prosecution alleges that the transaction was intended to defraud Kwaido. Bukenya had requested an urgent audience with the Ambassador to present his account of the matter and seek guidance, indicating that he intended to attend the meeting with three other people.
The developments in the case have raised concerns about the involvement of diplomatic officials in potentially fraudulent transactions. The Nigerian High Commission's response to Bukenya's requests and the outcome of the case remain to be seen.
Key points
- The Second Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Haruna Bukenya, has been linked to a disputed gold transaction involving $288,000 in Uganda.
- Two Nigerian High Commission officials have been identified as being present during relevant stages of the transaction.
- The case has been adjourned to November 25, 2026, for mention.
