Adeyanju Conderms Remand Of Activist Abdul Mahmud

Human Rights Lawyer and Activist Deji Adeyanju has condermed the abrupt revocation of bail and subsequent remand of veteran Human Rights Lawyer, Abdul Mahmud Aminu to Keffi prison by a Senior Magistrate Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja.

According to the statement, in the ruling issued by Magistrate Amina Yusuf, she cited alleged violations of bail condition claims that Mahmud and his legal team have firmly rejected.

It states that, Mahmud, a barrister with more than 30 years of practice had voluntarily returned back from the United Kingdom UK, to stand trial after an original bail was granted in June 2023 on self recognizance with no attached conditions, was suddenly withdrawn intended to penalize him for defending his rights and contesting the ongoing harassment by a serving police officer.

“I have been made aware of reports regarding the remand of Abdul Mahmud in Keffi prison pursuant to an order of court.”

“While I have a pending civil suit against him which remains before the court for determination, I believe that the preservation of a person’s liberty must always be approached with caution and in strict adherence to due process.”

“Abdul Mahmud is a vocal lawyer in the legal and civic space and a former student union leader. Whether one agrees with his position or not, his role as a lawyer and public intellectual ought to be respected.”

“Lawyers should not be exposed to punitive consequences for carrying out their professional duties or expressing views on matters of public interest, except in clear and compelling circumstances established strictly by law. The threshold for depriving any citizen, particularly an officer of the court, of his liberty must remain high and demonstrably justified.”

“My ongoing civil suit against him does not diminish my commitment to the rule of law. The independence of the Bar and the protection of individual liberty are principles that transcend personal disputes.”

“I therefore call for his unconditional release from Keffi prison pending the proper and fair determination of all issues before the court. Adeyanju added.”

Mahmud is currently the President, Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL) a body of professional and independent group of Lawyers committed to the promotion and enforcement of the rights of vulnerable and minority groups deepening of democracy, governance and the expansion of public interest law.

PR/Garry Ochigbo