AUN suspends School of Law dean after PREMIUM TIMES story

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola has suspended Bello Magaji, dean of its School of Law, after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed he avoided a prison sentence for sodomy despite his conviction being upheld by the Supreme Court. University registrar Daniel Okereke announced the suspension on Monday, stating Magaji, an associate professor, has been placed on indefinite leave without pay pending an administrative review. The decision followed discovery of his “non-disclosure of prior military service and misrepresentation of records in the university’s employee records at the time of employment.”

“These actions constitute a fundamental breach of trust and are considered matters of serious concern by the University,” the statement said. AUN reiterated its commitment to upholding integrity and transparency. The investigation showed Magaji, a former military police officer, was convicted in 1997 for sodomy with four boys but never served his sentence. Former President Goodluck Jonathan granted him a presidential pardon in 2013, and the Nigerian Army altered his records to show voluntary retirement instead of dismissal.