TARABA TSEMA BOSS, COMMISSIONER DRAG SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER TO COURT

Court Revokes Imam’s Bail, Issues Bench Warrant Over Alleged Defamation of TSEMA Executive Secretary

Tertiary Education Commissioner Sues Influencer in Separate Defamation Case

Defence Cites Domestic Accident, Fractured Leg as Counsel Battles Prosecution Over His Absence

Former Defence Counsel Turns Prosecuting Counsel, Triggers Heated Legal Argument

JALINGO — The legal battle involving Taraba-based social media influencer Abdulmumin Imam intensified on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as two separate defamation-related cases involving senior Taraba government officials came up before different courts in Jalingo.

In the first case, the court presided over by Justice Christian Jonah revoked Imam’s bail and ordered the issuance of a bench warrant compelling him to appear in court in connection with allegations involving the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), Dr. Audu.

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In a separate case before Upper Area Court 10, the Taraba State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, is challenging alleged statements made by Imam concerning his salary and official conduct.

FORMER DEFENCE COUNSEL NOW IN PROSECUTION

One of the major issues that dominated proceedings was the withdrawal of Barrister Ganki Hassan, who had previously represented Imam, and her subsequent involvement on the prosecuting side.

Defence counsel, Barrister Isa Buba, raised an objection to the development, arguing that Hassan had previously represented the defendant and had therefore been privy to confidential information in the course of that representation.

The defence maintained that the circumstances raised professional and legal concerns.

The issue generated a heated exchange between counsel, with arguments focusing on points of law and procedure.

TSEMA EXECUTIVE SECRETARY’S CASE

The first case was instituted by the Taraba State Government following allegations made by Imam against the Executive Secretary of TSEMA, Dr. Audu, concerning the alleged diversion of rice meant for people affected by emergencies.

The allegations have been challenged as defamatory by the complainant.

The case was initially prosecuted by the police before the police withdrew from the matter, after which the Taraba State Department of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, took over the prosecution.

The state is represented by Barrister M.D. Mustapha, Chairman, Public Department of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Taraba State, while Imam is represented by Barrister Isa Buba.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Imam was absent from court.

His counsel informed the court that the defendant had suffered a domestic accident resulting in a fractured leg and was unable to attend the proceedings.

The defence referred to a photograph of the alleged injury which had been presented at an earlier sitting, arguing that the defendant’s condition had previously been brought to the attention of the court.

The prosecution challenged the basis for the defendant’s continued absence and urged the court to take appropriate steps to compel him to appear.

In its ruling, the court noted that the photograph previously referenced by the defence had not been formally admitted in evidence and therefore could not, in its present status, constitute sufficient evidence to justify the defendant’s absence.

The court consequently ordered the issuance of a bench warrant against Imam.

It also revoked his bail and ordered that a civil summons be issued to the surety.

The matter was adjourned to October 15, 2026, with the defendant expected to appear at the next sitting.

COMMISSIONER’S SEPARATE CASE

Meanwhile, the second case came up before Upper Area Court 10, presided over by Justice Ishaq Umar.

Taraba State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, instituted the separate action against Imam over alleged defamation of character.

The Commissioner is seeking to compel Imam to substantiate allegations attributed to him, including a claim that the Commissioner directed the stoppage of the defendant’s salary from the state university.

At the sitting, defence counsel Barrister Isa Buba informed the court that Imam had suffered a domestic accident and sustained a fractured leg.

The defence also raised concerns over the withdrawal of Barrister Ganki Hassan from the matter and her subsequent involvement on the prosecuting side.

However, Barrister Fonga Umaru, holding brief for Ganki Hassan, urged the court to invoke the relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice Law to compel the defendant’s appearance.

Fonga argued that sufficient evidence had not been presented before the court to establish that Imam’s alleged injury prevented him from appearing.

The court directed the defence counsel to ensure the defendant’s presence at the next sitting.

The matter was adjourned to October 13, 2026, for hearing.

The two cases remain separate proceedings involving different complainants, courts and allegations, although both involve Abdulmumin Imam and allegations arising from statements attributed to him concerning serving Taraba government officials.