Fresh controversy has erupted in Nasarawa State following the revocation of bail and remand in prison custody of Dr Abdul Mahmud, Managing Partner, LIBERTY SEMPER FIDELIS LP, a law firm, in a case his supporters describe as a sustained campaign of police intimidation and judicial ambush.
The decision was handed down on Friday, 27 February 2026, by Senior Magistrate Zuluhiat Yusuf of the Senior Magistrate Court, Mararaba, a ruling critics say raises serious questions about abuse of police power and the independence of the court.
From Civil Dispute to Criminal Prosecution
The case reportedly stems from a civil dispute between the Incorporated Trustees of Fatima Gold Estate, Mararaba, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amabua Muhammed, who owns two properties within the estate.
According to estate authorities, DCP Muhammed allegedly failed to pay estate dues and development levies since acquiring the properties in 2019. Following a general meeting in May 2023, residents resolved to withdraw services such as waste disposal and electricity from defaulters owing N200,000 and above.
Tensions escalated on 26 June 2023 when police officers entered the estate and allegedly manhandled a security officer over claims of false imprisonment involving a relative of the DCP. Dr Mahmud, who intervened to request due process and a warrant of arrest, was later arrested.
Arrests, Detentions and Collapsing Complaints
Mahmud was first arrested on 27 June 2023 under a warrant from a Magistrate Court in New Nyanya. He was later released following intervention from senior police authorities and granted bail on self-recognisance.
In August 2023, a fresh criminal complaint was filed against him at the Force Intelligence Bureau in Abuja. After nine hours in detention, he was again granted bail. That complaint was eventually quashed for lack of substance.
His legal team maintains that repeated arrests and amended charges reflected persecution rather than prosecution.
Petitions Allegedly Ignored
Mahmud petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Police Service Commission, and the Code of Conduct Bureau, alleging abuse of office. According to his representatives, the petitions were suppressed.
An estate petition to the Inspector General of Police reportedly “disappeared” after DCP Muhammed was directed to settle her outstanding estate obligations during a meeting convened by the police hierarchy.
Questions Over Court Proceedings
Concerns intensified during court proceedings, where the prosecution amended and consolidated charges multiple times. Mahmud challenged the court’s jurisdiction and sought intervention from the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, who later took over the case.
In October 2025, senior police officials reportedly directed that the DCP settle her estate dues following another review of the dispute.
However, when the matter returned to court, the prosecution accused Mahmud of breaching bail by instigating a police signal summoning the DCP to Force Headquarters. His counsel argued that no such petition was produced in court and that bail conditions placed no restrictions on him.
Despite this, on 27 February 2026, the Magistrate revoked Mahmud’s bail after dismissing his preliminary objection on jurisdiction.
In a moment that has drawn particular scrutiny, the Magistrate reportedly remarked: “I thought we agreed to forget the issue of bail revocation,” a statement Mahmud’s counsel says suggests discussions unknown to the defence.
Attendance Record and Medical Concerns
Mahmud’s legal team insists he attended every court sitting since June 2023, even cutting short medical treatment in the United Kingdom for pneumonia and cardiovascular complications to appear for trial.
They argue that no bail conditions were breached and that he retains the constitutional right to petition authorities if he believes he is being harassed.
Calls for Judicial Review
In a statement signed by Seun Awolade, Head of Chambers, the firm called on the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State to review the conduct of the Magistrate and the proceedings.
The statement also questioned why Magistrate Zuluhiat Yusuf, reportedly transferred in October 2025, continues to preside over the case under a fiat.
“The court must not become a weapon in private disputes,” the statement said, adding that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Broader Implications
The case highlights wider concerns about:
- Alleged abuse of police authority in civil disputes
- The use of criminal complaints to settle personal grievances
- Transparency in magistrate court proceedings
- Protection of constitutional rights
As Dr Mahmud remains in custody, the unfolding legal battle is poised to test public confidence in both law enforcement accountability and judicial independence in Nasarawa State.
