‘Bail is free’ – Adamawa Judiciary warns officers against demanding money
The Adamawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced that bail is a free service, emphasizing its commitment to preventing extortion. The commission has issued a stern warning to judicial officers, court personnel, and law enforcement officials against soliciting or accepting fees as a condition for granting bail.
In a circular dated August 24, 2026, and made public on Tuesday, the JSC stated that any officer found demanding payments for bail will face immediate disciplinary measures. The directive was issued from the office of the state Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, underscoring a renewed effort to uphold the principle of free bail.
The circular reiterated that judges, magistrates, and judicial staff are prohibited from imposing any monetary requirements for bail.
In addition to this directive, the JSC announced the promotion of 458 judicial staff members across various divisions of the state judiciary. The decision was made during the commission’s 187th meeting, presided over by Justice Abdulrahman.
The promotions span several divisions, including the Magistrates’ Division, Area Court Division, Sharia Court of Appeal, and Customary Court of Appeal. Specifically, 42 magistrates, 26 administrative and executive officers, 59 registrars, and numerous judges and members from the Area Court Division received promotions.
A detailed breakdown indicated that 114 judges and members from the Area Court Division were elevated, along with 26 administrative and executive officers, and 146 registrars. In the Sharia Court of Appeal, 22 staff members were promoted, while another 23 staff members received promotions in the Customary Court of Appeal.
