The Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo has nullified the election of Timothy Heman Magaji as chairman of the Taraba State Football Association (FA), ordering the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to recognise Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed as the duly elected chairman.

Justice Mashkur Salisu, who presided over Suit No. FHC/JAL/8/2025, delivered the judgment on October 13, declaring the state FA elections conducted between June 3 and 12, 2023, null and void.

The plaintiff, Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed, had approached the court through an originating summons dated December 8, 2025, and filed on December 13, 2025, seeking an order to remove Magaji from office as chairman of the state football governing body.

The defendants in the suit included the Nigeria Football Federation, also referred to in the proceedings as the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Hassan Abubakar and Barrister A. T. Choir.

In its ruling, the court restrained Magaji from parading himself as chairman of the Taraba State Football Association or performing any functions associated with the office.

The court held that Magaji's election was conducted in direct disobedience of, and in contempt of, an existing judgment in Suit No. FHC/JAL/26/2020.

It further upheld the election of Mohammed, which was conducted on June 12, 2023, within the premises of the Jalingo Local Government Legislative Council.

Consequently, the court directed the NFF to recognise Mohammed as the duly elected chairman of the Taraba State Football Association.

The court also observed that the activities associated with Magaji's annulled tenure had disrupted the administration of football in Taraba State.

As part of its orders, the court awarded ₦3 million in general damages and an additional ₦2 million in costs against the defendants.

The judgment represents a significant legal development in the leadership dispute surrounding the Taraba State Football Association, with the NFF directed to recognise Mohammed in accordance with the court's ruling.