An Abuja High Court has threatened to revoke the bail granted to Yisa Usman, the former Deputy Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), due to his improper behavior. Justice H.A. Musa, during Tuesday’s session, granted the prosecution’s oral application to proceed with the trial after attempts at out-of-court settlement broke down.
Usman, facing charges of character assassination and providing false information about a public servant, was accused of maligning Mabel Ishaku, a police officer, on June 6, 2022, at the JAMB National Headquarters in Abuja. The charges are punishable under the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
Usman was granted bail in October 2024 after pleading not guilty to the charges. However, during the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the prosecution’s lawyer, N. Orji, informed the court that no progress had been made in the settlement process, and instead, Usman had submitted a written statement contrary to the settlement effort. Orji then presented the statement in court.
Justice Musa, visibly displeased, advised Usman that if he was unwilling to engage in settlement, the trial would proceed. He reminded Usman that failing to cooperate with the settlement process might result in the revocation of his bail. Usman, however, stated that he was not willing to withdraw the petitions he had filed against JAMB and preferred for the trial to continue.
Ishaku, who was cross-examined by Usman’s lawyer, explained that she had met Usman during a covert investigation at the Delta State University of Science and Technology in 2023. She clarified that the defamatory remarks made by Usman not only affected her but also tarnished the reputation of her office. Ishaku further stated that the false statements put her at risk and could affect her career within the police force.
The judge warned Usman against disrespecting the court and reiterated that his bail could be revoked if he continued with his current attitude. The matter was adjourned until May 6, May 13, and May 14 for continued trial.
