Judge Yarima’s Competence Questioned After Denying Bail To Lecturer In Defamation Case Filed By Bauchi Governor’s Son, Shamsuddeen

Justice Kawu Yarima of the Bauchi State High Court has come under scrutiny for allegedly lacking the necessary experience and qualifications for his judicial role, following his decision to deny bail to Dr. Abubakar Ahmad, a lecturer.

Justice Yarima, who presides over Court 15, was appointed in 2024 by the National Judicial Council (NJC) under the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

His recent ruling on Thursday, which denied bail to Ahmad, has generated public outcry and questions about the competence of newly appointed judicial officers.

A source familiar with the case told SaharaReporters that the judge’s refusal to grant bail raised concerns about his understanding of the law and judicial discretion, particularly in cases that involve non-violent defendants.

The source alleged that Justice Yarima, who was only recently appointed, lacks the necessary experience and qualifications to handle such cases.

"Justice Kawu Yarima of Bauchi State High Court; the one who denied Dr. Abubakar Ahmad's bail,” the source said.

"He presides over Court 15. He was appointed not long ago. He's a novice and unqualified. He is the judge who denied the Bauchi lecturer bail on Thursday."

Meanwhile, Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has stated that no individual should have the authority or right to use stolen public funds to oppress Nigerian citizens.

Sowore made the statement on Friday via his social media handles while calling for the immediate release of Ahmad from what he described as unjust imprisonment.

He emphasised that citizens have the right to express themselves concerning the governance of their nation freely.

Sowore condemned Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, the son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, describing him as a tyrant for using state power against Dr. Ahmad.

He further stated that Shamsuddeen must release Dr. Ahmad and end the repressive criminal trial against him, accusing him of leveraging his connection with the “illegal” Inspector General of Police and misappropriating public funds to carry out acts of oppression.

Sowore said, "It is our strong conviction that no individual should be granted the authority or the right to use stolen public funds to oppress Nigerian citizens. Citizens have the right to express themselves freely regarding the governance of their nation state.

"Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed the tyrant son of Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State must free Dr. Abubakar Ahmad from unjust imprisonment and repressive criminal trial because he has connection with the illegal IGP of Nigeria Police Force and the looted funds to carry out oppression."

Background

Ahmad, a lecturer at the Federal College of Horticulture in Gombe State, is currently in detention over a social media post involving a video of Shamsuddeen and his wife.

The video, which shows the couple dancing, has been circulating online for several years and was shared by many others. However, Ahmad was singled out after reposting it on Facebook.

Shamsuddeen filed a direct criminal complaint alleging defamation, injurious falsehood, and criminal intimidation under the Bauchi State Penal Code Law (2022).

Ahmad was arrested after honouring a police invitation and has since been remanded in prison. His case has been adjourned until July 9, 2025, while his legal team pursues a judicial review before the Bauchi State Chief Judge.

The incident has sparked public outcry. Groups like the Take-It-Back Movement have condemned the arrest as an abuse of legal power and a threat to free speech, calling it a misuse of the judiciary to settle personal scores.

His family, including his mother and wife, have made emotional appeals to Governor Bala Mohammed to intervene and secure his release, citing their long-standing support for the governor and the ruling party.