Retired Shariah Court Judge gets bail, case adjourned until February 11
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Mahmoud Shehu, a retired Upper Shariah Court Judge in the dock for allegedly assaulting a blind housewife, was on Tuesday granted bail by a Magistrate’s Court in Zaria, Kaduna.
Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Adamu Salisu granted the bail stipulating that Shehu provide two sureties who are civil servants on Grade Level 10.
The bail conditions require Shehu to deposit ₦100,000 and the two sureties to submit their promotion letters, passport photographs, residential addresses, and telephone numbers.
The magistrate ruled that failure to meet these conditions would result in Shehu’s remand at the correctional facility until the next hearing scheduled for February 11.
Shehu was re-arraigned on charges of alleged criminal trespass, assault, and use of force which violate Sections 327, 237, and 239 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.
Prosecutor Adamu Abubakar alleged the incident occurred on 6 September 2024 when Shehu forced his way into the home of the blind woman, locked the main gate, and physically assaulted her.
Abubakar also allegedly Shehu attacked two women who attempted to rescue the victim who ended up with injuries and was treated at the PHC Tudun Wada.
Shehu denied the charges when questioned by the court.
The case was initially filed at the Magistrate’s Court Tudun Wada, Zaria, on 10 September 2024, and assigned to Senior Magistrate Lukman Sidi. But it faced multiple delays.
Sidi withdrew from the case for undisclosed reasons and it was transferred to Chief Magistrate’s Court 1, Chediya, for reassignment.
The next hearing is expected to delve deeper into the allegations and the defendant’s plea.
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