From HASSAN SHALLPELLA, Yola
The Adamawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has warned judicial officers and court officials against demanding or accepting money from persons granted bail.
The commission said any official found collecting money as a condition for bail would face immediate suspension and disciplinary action.
The warning was contained in a circular dated August 24, 2026, with reference number ADS/JSC/S63/VOL.1/83.
According to the commission, judges, magistrates, judicial staff, court officials and law enforcement officers were not authorised to impose or collect any monetary condition for bail.
It stressed that “bail is entirely free of charge” and urged judicial officers, court staff and members of the public to comply with the directive.
The commission said the directive was aimed at ensuring that access to bail was not affected by financial demands and at preserving the integrity of the judicial system.
The circular also announced promotions approved for staff across the state’s judicial divisions.
The approvals were made at the commission’s 187th meeting, chaired by the Chief Judge and Chairman of the commission, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.
In the Magistrates Division, 42 magistrates, 26 administrative and executive officers and confidential secretaries, and 59 registrars were promoted.
The Area Court Division recorded promotions for 114 judges and members, 26 administrative and executive officers, and 146 registrars.
The Sharia Court of Appeal had 22 administrative, executive, confidential secretaries and registrars promoted, while 23 staff in similar categories were promoted in the Customary Court of Appeal.