American University Of Nigeria Suspends Ex Military Officer, Dean Of Law School Following Report Revealing Past Criminal Record

By Onoja Baba

The American University of Nigeria has suspended Dr. Bello Magaji from his position as Dean of the School of Law following revelations from an investigative report by Premium Times.

University officials announced the suspension on Monday, citing Dr. Magaji’s non-disclosure of his prior military service and misrepresentation of records in the institution’s employee files at the time of his employment.

These issues emerged after the publication of a detailed investigation that highlighted Dr. Magaji’s background as a former officer in the Nigerian Army. According to the report, he had been convicted of sodomy by a General Court Martial, a conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, yet he reportedly avoided serving the associated prison sentence.

He later received a presidential pardon and had his military records adjusted, allowing him to transition into academia without apparent disclosure of that chapter in his professional history.

Dr. Magaji, an associate professor, had been appointed Dean of the School of Law at AUN in late 2025 after serving in similar leadership roles, including as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Islamic University in Uganda.

His academic profile at AUN emphasized his extensive teaching experience in institutions across Nigeria and abroad but omitted any reference to his military past.

The university views these omissions as a fundamental breach of trust and has placed Associate Professor Bello Magaji on indefinite leave without pay.

An administrative review panel established by university management is now conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.

In its official statement, the American University of Nigeria, through Registrar Daniel Okereke, reaffirmed its strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all operations.

The institution indicated that it had initially conducted due diligence during the hiring process but is now revisiting the case in light of the new information uncovered by the investigative journalism.

This development has drawn attention within Nigeria’s academic and legal communities, particularly given Dr. Magaji’s prominence as a law educator and his recent public engagements encouraging students to aspire to leadership roles.

The outcome of the administrative review will likely determine any further actions regarding his position at the university.