A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Tuesday, opened trial proceedings against a dismissed Deputy Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Mr Yisa Usman, in a character assassination case brought against him by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Usman, the sole defendant in a two-count charge dated and filed on July 18, 2024, marked CR/654/2024, is accused of allegedly defaming a public servant, Ms Mabel Ishaku, and providing false information about her.
The former JAMB official is alleged to have, on or about June 6, 2022, at the JAMB National Headquarters in Abuja, made defamatory statements against Ms. Ishaku.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
In the second count, Usman is accused of giving false information to a public servant at the JAMB office in Abuja on the same date, an offence punishable under Section 140(b) of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
He was arrested and granted bail on October 24, 2024, after pleading not guilty to both charges.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, N. Orji, informed the court that although the court had adjourned for an out-of-court settlement, the defendant had taken steps in the opposite of reconciliation.
She said, “On December 10, 2024, the court had advised both parties to explore an out-of-court settlement. However, no progress has been made since then.
“The defendant had instead published a write-up contrary to the settlement agreement.
“My Lord, the settlement has failed.”
She afterwards presented a copy of the write-up to the court.
The presiding judge, Justice H. A. Musa, directed the court registrar to read the document aloud in open court.
Afterwards, he admonished Usman for acting contrary to the settlement plan, stating, “Once you want to explore settlement, you don’t look back.”
Orji further told the court that Usman’s actions demonstrated his unwillingness to settle.
“Settlement has failed, and we are ready to proceed with the trial. Our first prosecution witness (PW-1) is here,” she said.
The judge then asked the PW-1, Ms. Ishaku, to step forward and provide her testimony.
Ishaku stated that Usman’s write-up still contained allegations against her, suggesting that he was indirectly maintaining his claims while denying any defamatory intent.
In response, Usman claimed that the write-up was an attempt to show his commitment to reconciliation.
Justice Musa expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, reiterating his advice for both parties to reconcile in the interest of peace.
“If you are not interested in settlement, we should proceed. We are not forcing you,” he said.
Usman alleged that Ishaku had asked him to apologise publicly and publish the apology in two national newspapers while also withdrawing his petitions against the JAMB CEO.
However, Ishaku denied these claims, stating that it was Usman’s former lawyer who had suggested the settlement option.
The judge emphasised that any reasonable action leading to reconciliation would not be too much to ask.
Usman, however, declared that he was unwilling to withdraw his petitions or the case he filed at the National Industrial Court in Abuja against JAMB.
“I want the matter to go on,” he said.
Justice Musa then threatened to revoke the bail granted to Usman, warning him against improper behaviour and disrespecting the court.
“I will revoke your bail. You cannot talk to me this way,” the judge said.
Usman’s lawyer, O. W. Bamigbaye, apologised to the court on his behalf.
After issuing the warning, the judge granted the oral application of the prosecution counsel, N. Orji, to commence the trial following the breakdown of the out-of-court settlement.
The prosecution then called their first witness, Ms. Ishaku, who was cross-examined by Bamigbaye.
Ishaku testified that she works in the office of the Inspector-General of Police and is also deployed to INTERPOL.
She recounted meeting Usman in 2023 during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination at Delta State University of Science and Technology, Abraka, where she was working undercover.
She stated that the defamatory statements made by Usman not only targeted her but also had broader implications for her office and the reputation of the police force.
Ishaku alleged that Usman’s claims were baseless and could jeopardise her safety and career.
After re-examination, Justice Musa adjourned the matter to May 6, 13, and 14 for the continuation of the trial.
