In a high-profile legal development, a Kaduna State High Court has granted bail to activist Mahdi Shehu, who was detained for allegedly sharing a misleading viral video. Renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama revealed the news on his official X handle, sparking widespread public interest.
The bail conditions, set at N3 million, are stringent, requiring two eminent clerics to stand as sureties. Presiding over the case, Justice Murtala J. Zubair underscored that the bail decision was firmly rooted in legal principles and the evidence presented before the court. He emphasized the fundamental tenet of justice that Mahdi Shehu is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Justice Zubair, however, imposed additional conditions to ensure compliance. Shehu is mandated to surrender his international passport, obtain prior court approval before any travel, and report monthly to designated security officials. The judge warned that failure to adhere to these terms would lead to his continued detention.
Mahdi Shehu’s arrest had ignited public discourse, with critics and supporters debating the implications of his detention on free speech and justice. The case, which centers around the alleged dissemination of a misleading video, has highlighted the balance between maintaining national security and upholding constitutional rights.
As Shehu prepares to meet the bail conditions, his legal battle is far from over. The activist’s defense team is expected to mount a robust challenge to the charges, while the prosecution is determined to press its case.
The ruling has drawn significant attention from civil rights organizations, legal practitioners, and the general public, with many describing it as a pivotal moment for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
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