Justice Ahmed Isa of the Adamawa High Court, Yola, on Tuesday granted bail to Umar Jada, a staunch supporter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in his case for alleged defamation.
He was granted bail in the sum of N1 million.
The judge also ordered Jada to produce one surety, who must reside in Yola, after an exparte motion filed by his counsel, Desmond Adebole, for judicial review.
The defendant was earlier remanded in prison by the Chief Magistrates’ Court II, Yola, following his inability to meet his bail conditions in the suit.
The suit was filed by Alhaji Sadiq Wali, a traditional holder of Walin Ganye, and his son, Adamu.
The court granted Jada bail in the sum of N5 million.
He was also ordered to produce a first-class traditional ruler as surety.
Ruling on the exparte motion on Tuesday, Isa held that the proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court were marred by irregularities.
He cited improper service of summons and warrants, as well as failure to accord the defendant adequate time to prepare his defence.
The judge directed that proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court be stayed pending determination of the substantive motion at the High Court.
