In a significant development shaking Adamawa State’s political landscape, the Adamawa State High Court has granted bail to prominent political activist Umar Bello Jada, popularly known as “Calculate,” in a high-profile defamation case.
The bail ruling comes after a period of controversial detention, stirring debate about judicial integrity and due process in Nigeria’s legal system.
Justice Ahmed Isa, presiding at the High Court, overturned a previous magistrate court decision that had imposed unusually harsh bail conditions.
The earlier ruling—delivered by Magistrate Musa Alhaji of Chief Magistrate Court II—had required a ₦5 million bond and surety by a first-class traditional ruler, effectively keeping Jada in detention.
Justice Isa criticised the magistrate court’s conduct, highlighting violations of legal procedure including failure to serve proper summons, lack of arrest warrants, and proceeding in the absence of the complainants—Alhaji Sadiq Wali, a respected political figure and titleholder (Walin Ganye), and his son Adamu Wali.
Calling the magistrate’s conditions excessive and legally unsound, the High Court instead granted bail on a ₦1 million bond with a surety resident in Yola. Justice Isa also ordered the magistrate court to suspend further proceedings pending a full hearing of the substantive motion.
Jada’s legal troubles stem from an alleged defamatory audio recording that the Wali family claims damaged the elder Wali’s reputation.
The activist, closely associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was arrested at the airport in what his lawyers describe as a “Gestapo-style” operation.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Jada’s lawyer, Barrister Desmond Adebole, welcomed the ruling as a triumph for the rule of law.
“Our client was denied basic legal rights. This ruling reaffirms that constitutional safeguards cannot be trampled upon,” he said.
The legal wrangling has captured public attention across Nigeria, with widespread concern over perceived judicial overreach and political manipulation of legal processes.
Senator Ishaku Abbo, a high-profile figure who attended the court session, has since called for calm and reconciliation.
Speaking to journalists, Abbo described the case as a “family misunderstanding” rather than a political vendetta.
“This is not a war. It’s a personal dispute that spiraled. Alhaji Sadiq Wali and Calculate have shared a father-son bond for years,” We must prioritise peace, especially given Nigeria’s more pressing challenges—poverty, hunger, insecurity.” Abbo stated. “
Abbo acknowledged that his initial comments on the case were based on incomplete information but said he has since met both parties to facilitate mediation.
“We are working toward an amicable resolution. By the next court date on June 24, I am hopeful progress will be made,” he added
The senator commended the judiciary for its impartiality, asserting that the latest ruling is a testament to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, the legal team representing Jada has filed a motion for judicial review, aiming to quash what they allege were unlawful procedures in the activist’s arrest and remand.
As the case unfolds, many in Adamawa and beyond are closely watching.
With influential political actors now calling for reconciliation, hopes are rising that the matter may be resolved outside prolonged courtroom battles.
For now, however, all eyes remain on the Yola judiciary and the potential for a peaceful resolution to one of the region’s most politically sensitive legal dramas in recent memory.
Voice of Nigeria will continue to monitor developments ahead of the June 24 court session.