Adamawa JSC Declares Bail Free, Warns Against Extortion

The Adamawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a declaration that bail is a free service, explicitly warning all judicial officers, court staff, and law enforcement operatives against extorting individuals seeking bail. In a circular dated August 24, 2026, from the office of the Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, the commission stated that any officer found demanding or accepting money for bail will face immediate disciplinary proceedings.

The circular emphasizes that no judge, magistrate, or judicial staff member is allowed to impose any monetary condition for bail. Additionally, the commission announced the approval of promotions for 458 judicial staff across various divisions of the state judiciary, a decision made during its 187th meeting chaired by Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.

The promotions include 42 magistrates, 26 administrative and executive officers, 59 registrars, and numerous judges and members from the Area Court Division, Sharia Court of Appeal, and Customary Court of Appeal.