A Kaduna State High Court has granted activist Mahdi Shehu bail in the amount of N3 million, along with the requirement for two sureties of equivalent value.
The court specified that the sureties must be distinguished clerics.
Shehu was apprehended by security operatives due to allegations that he shared a misleading video that spread widely online.
On January 2, 2025, the Chief Magistrates’ Court (CMC 1) on Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Kaduna ordered Shehu’s detention for posting on social media in a manner that allegedly threatened national security.
Following this order, he was held at the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility as he faced charges related to conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disturbances.
However, during the bail hearing on Thursday, the presiding judge, Justice Murtala J. Zubair, stated that the granting or denial of bail fundamentally hinges on the weight the court assigns to the relevant criteria in each case.
Justice Zubair remarked, “The mere, unverified assertion by the Respondent that granting bail could jeopardise their case lacks evidential weight to justify withholding bail.”
He continued, “In exercising its discretion, the court must scrutinise the evidence presented without considering external factors. There is no scope for emotional or sentimental reasoning; the court’s deliberation is a matter of law, fact, and circumstance.
“Typically, the court keeps in mind that the Defendant is presumed innocent at this stage of proceedings and that the primary purpose of bail is to ensure the Defendant’s presence at trial.
“After carefully considering the submissions and the documents provided, along with my analysis, I believe the applicant has made a compelling case for bail pending his arraignment before a competent judge. This court will exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant, who has adequately demonstrated that he will abide by the bail conditions. As there is no evidence before the court, I shall grant the Applicant’s request for bail.
“Therefore, bail is granted to the Applicant in the sum of N3,000,000.00, along with two sureties of the same amount. The sureties must be distinguished clerics. The defendant is required to deposit his international passport and may not travel outside the country without the court’s permission. He must also report to the Respondent’s office on the first working day of each month. Should the defendant fail to comply with these conditions, he will remain in custody.”
In response to his release, Mahdi expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, “During my arrest, detention, and incarceration lasting 12 days, I feel compelled to thank the following groups of people.
“To those who were genuinely worried, concerned, supportive, and prayerful: your prayers were felt, and they served their intended purpose.
“To those who were celebrating: your enthusiasm emboldened me and enriched my perspective. You are like the fans in a stadium cheering for a team that is winning.
“To those who remained indifferent: while you neither showed concern, support, nor joy, your silence may provide a backdrop for those willing to engage in conflict. One day, you will find yourselves in a position, whether as victims or villains, willingly or not.
“I apologise for my inability to respond to over 4 million messages across various social media platforms.”