- A Kaduna State High Court granted activist Mahdi Shehu bail set at ₦3 million, requiring two sureties who are renowned clerics
- Shehu was arrested for sharing a misleading video, facing charges including conspiracy and inciting public disturbances, but maintains his innocence
A Kaduna State High Court has granted bail to activist Mahdi Shehu, setting the bond at ₦3 million with two sureties of equal value, who must be renowned clerics.
Security operatives arrested Shehu over allegations of sharing a misleading video that went viral. On January 2, 2025, a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna had ordered his detention for allegedly making a social media post deemed threatening to national security.
Following his arraignment, charges included conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disturbances. Shehu was held at the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility.
On Thursday, Justice Murtala J. Zubair granted the bail application, emphasizing the importance of objective evaluation in granting or denying bail.
“The mere and unverified statement by the Respondent that if bail is granted, it will jeopardize their case has no probative significance,” Zubair stated. He stressed that courts must rely on evidence rather than sentiment or speculation.
Justice Zubair affirmed the presumption of innocence at this stage of proceedings and highlighted that bail’s primary function is to ensure the defendant’s presence at trial.
Considering the submissions and available documents, the judge ruled to grant bail, asserting the defendant’s intent was to comply with the conditions.
The court imposed the following conditions for bail:
- The defendant must deposit his international passport and refrain from travelling without court permission.
- He must report monthly to the security office.
Failure to comply would result in his continued detention.