A Kaduna State High Court has granted bail to activist Mahdi Shehu in the sum of N3 million, with the condition that he provides two sureties of equal value. The court stipulated that the sureties must be prominent religious clerics.
Shehu was arrested after a viral video he shared was accused of being misleading. He faced charges including conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public unrest.
Earlier, on January 2, 2025, a Chief Magistrates’ Court had ordered his remand at the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility.
In delivering the bail ruling on Thursday, Justice Murtala J. Zubair highlighted the legal principle of presumption of innocence, emphasizing that bail decisions must be based on facts and the law rather than emotions or sentiments.
Justice Zubair remarked:
“The mere and unverified statement by the Respondent that if bail is granted, it will jeopardize their case has no probative significance to justify the withholding of bail without substantiating it with evidence.”
He added:
“In exercising its discretion, the court is bound to examine the evidence before it without considering any extraneous matter. There is no room for the court to express its sentiments. It is a hard matter of law, facts, and circumstances which the court considers without being emotional, sensitive, or sentimental.”
After reviewing the submissions and documents presented, the court concluded that the defendant had demonstrated sufficient reasons for bail. Justice Zubair ruled:
“Accordingly, bail is hereby granted to the Applicant in the sum of N3,000,000.00 and two sureties in the like sum. The sureties shall be renowned clerics. The defendant shall deposit his international passport and shall not travel out of the country without the court’s permission. The defendant shall also report to the office of the Respondent on the first working day of every month. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in the defendant remaining in custody.”
The case continues as Shehu awaits his arraignment before a competent court.
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