By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk | February 28, 2026
A storm of controversy has erupted in Nasarawa State after a senior magistrate revoked the bail of prominent lawyer Abdul Mahmud, in a move his supporters have branded a “judicial ambush” and part of an alleged long-running campaign of harassment.
The ruling, delivered on Friday by Senior Magistrate Zuluhiat Yusuf at a court sitting in Mararaba, ordered Mahmud’s immediate remand in prison custody, sparking sharp reactions from legal observers and civil society group
According to a statement issued by Mahmud’s associates, the case stems from a prolonged civil dispute within Fatima Gold Estate in Mararaba.
Estate authorities reportedly accused a senior police officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Amabua Muhammed, of failing to pay estate dues and development levies since acquiring properties in 2019. Residents had resolved during a 2023 meeting to withdraw certain services from defaulters owing over ₦200,000.
Tensions escalated in June 2023 after a confrontation at the estate gate involving police officers and security personnel. Mahmud, who allegedly intervened to question the legality of an attempted arrest without a warrant, later became entangled in the dispute
Mahmud was subsequently arrested in June 2023 based on a warrant from a magistrate court and later arraigned, though he was granted bail on self-recognisance.
His legal team claims the matter intensified after fresh complaints were filed against him at the Force Intelligence Bureau in Abuja. Those complaints were eventually quashed, but Mahmud petitioned anti-corruption and oversight agencies, alleging abuse of office and persecution.
His associates now claim those petitions were ignored.
The latest crisis followed claims by prosecutors that Mahmud violated bail conditions by allegedly influencing a police signal that summoned the police officer involved in the dispute.
Mahmud’s lawyers strongly denied the allegation, insisting no evidence was presented linking him to the document.
Despite arguments from the defence, Magistrate Yusuf overruled Mahmud’s preliminary objections, then proceeded to revoke his bail.
Supporters say the magistrate’s remark in court — suggesting there had been an agreement to drop the bail issue — has raised serious concerns about possible off-record discussions between the prosecution and the bench.
Mahmud’s camp stressed that he had consistently attended court proceedings since 2023 and even cut short medical treatment abroad earlier this year to appear for trial.
They also noted his bail had no restrictive conditions attached.
The lawyer’s associates are now urging the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State to review the conduct of the proceedings and investigate what they describe as irregularities in the case.
They argue that the situation threatens public confidence in the justice system.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the group said.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue monitoring developments in this unfolding legal and judicial controversy.
