A Kaduna State High Court has granted bail to activist Mahdi Shehu, who was arrested for allegedly disseminating a misleading viral video.
The court set bail conditions at ₦3 million, with two prominent clerics to serve as sureties.
Justice Murtala J. Zubair, who presided over the case, stated that the decision to grant bail was guided by legal principles and the evidence presented. The judge emphasized that Shehu is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
As part of the bail conditions, the activist is required to surrender his international passport, seek court approval before any travel, and report monthly to security authorities.
According to Zagazola Makama, a renown security expert and analyst, the court warned that failure to comply with these conditions would result in Shehu’s continued detention.
The case has drawn public attention due to its implications for free speech and the role of activists in Nigeria. Shehu’s legal team expressed confidence in his ability to meet the bail conditions, pledging to mount a strong defense against the allegations.
The next court session is expected to delve deeper into the charges and evidence against Shehu.
Mahdi Shehu secures ₦3 million bail, ordered to surrender passport