Calculate files N250m defamation suit against Adamawa commissioner, Bala Kalu
In a fresh twist to the ongoing war of wits between prominent Adamawa political figure Alhaji Umar Bello Jada, popularly known as Calculate, and the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq, aka Bala Kalu, a defamation lawsuit has now emerged.
Alhaji Umar Bello Jada has dragged Sadiq before the Adamawa State High Court in a libel suit demanding N250 million as general damages over what he describes as a deliberate attempt to malign and assassinate his character.
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The case, filed under writ of summons No. HC/ADSY/2025 on June 17, 2025, marks a significant escalation in the public rift between the two political actors.
In his deposition, Calculate alleges that on May 25, 2025, Sadiq published a series of malicious and defamatory statements on his Facebook page, referring to him in demeaning and false language.
Calculate claimed that these posts were intended to damage his reputation, diminish public perception of his integrity, and paint him in a bad light within both political and business circles.
As part of his demands, Calculate prayed the court to order the defendant to pay N250 million in damages for libel.
In addition, he also prayed the court to mandate Sadiq to immediately remove the offending publications from his Facebook wall.
He further seeks an unreserved public apology to be published by the defendant, retracting the defamatory statements and affirming that they do not reflect the true character of the claimant.
Beyond damages and retraction, Calculate also prayed the court to award him the sum of N5m as legal fees incurred in the course of pursuing the suit, as well as full reimbursement for the cost of litigation.
This defamation suit comes on the heels of a dramatic legal encounter earlier this month involving the same parties.
In that case, a Magistrate Court presided over by Magistrate Musa Alhaji had ordered the arrest and detention of Calculate following a high-profile defamation complaint allegedly instigated by Sadiq Wali and his son, Adamu Mohammed Sadiq.The arrest sparked public outcry, with many viewing it as a politically motivated attempt to silence a rising opposition voice in the state.
However, following public pressure and legal intervention, Calculate later filed an appeal before an Adamawa State High Court, challenging the stringent bail conditions imposed by the trial court which kept him in detention.
The state high court eventually granted Calculate bail under less stringent conditions.
The present lawsuit by Calculate appears to be a counteroffensive aimed at clearing his name and asserting his rights against what he sees as orchestrated defamation.
Bala Kalu who is the state commissioner of environment has earlier pencilled down the house of Calculate for demolition saying the move was done to restore the state master plan and to recover refuse depots illegally converted to residential abodes
With political tensions rising ahead of the 2027 elections in Adamawa, this courtroom drama between two influential figures could have broader implications for local political dynamics.
