An Abuja High Court on Tuesday issued a stern warning to Yisa Usman, the dismissed Deputy Director of JAMB, threatening to revoke his bail over what was described as improper conduct.

Presiding over the case, Justice H.A. Musa granted the prosecution’s request to proceed with the trial after an attempted out-of-court settlement collapsed.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), in case CR/654/2024, accused Usman of character assassination and providing false information about a public servant.

The charges stem from an alleged incident at JAMB’s national headquarters on June 6, 2022, where Usman was said to have made defamatory statements against Mabel Ishaku.

His actions were deemed violations of Sections 392 and 140(b) of the Penal Code, which prescribe penalties for defamation and false information.

Usman, who pleaded not guilty, was granted bail on October 24, 2024.

During Tuesday’s hearing, prosecuting counsel N. Orji informed the court that despite previous encouragement to settle, Usman published a write-up contradicting reconciliation efforts.

In response, Justice Musa had the document read aloud in court, cautioning Usman against contradictory actions while engaging in settlement discussions.

Ishaku, the complainant, confirmed that Usman’s defamatory remarks persisted in the write-up, implying no real intent for reconciliation.

Usman, however, insisted that he was willing to settle, but refused to withdraw petitions filed against JAMB’s CEO, prompting his decision to proceed with the trial.

Justice Musa, visibly frustrated, reprimanded Usman for his tone in court, warning that his bail could be revoked.

“You cannot talk to me this way. Look at what he said—‘I want the case to proceed’—with impunity,” the judge cautioned.

Following an apology from Usman’s lawyer, O.W. Bamigbaye, the court directed the prosecution to call their first witness, Mabel Ishaku, who testified about her undercover investigation at a JAMB examination center in 2023.

She stated that Usman’s statements harmed her reputation and posed security risks, given her role in law enforcement.

After cross-examination, Justice Musa adjourned the trial to May 6, 13, and 14, 2025, for continuation of proceedings.