Adeyanju Demands Immediate Release of Abdul Mahmud
There was widespread outrage on Friday following the remand of prominent activist and legal practitioner, Barrister Abdul Mahmud, at the Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State.
The remand order, reportedly issued by a Senior Magistrate Court sitting at the Muhammadu Buhari International Market in Mararaba, has sparked strong reactions across the legal community and civil society.
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called for Mahmud’s unconditional release, describing the development as troubling and raising serious concerns about due process.
In a public statement, Adeyanju stressed that personal liberty must be treated with utmost caution and in strict compliance with the law. He noted that although he currently has a pending civil suit against Mahmud, the principles of justice and fairness must prevail.
“Lawyers should not be exposed to punitive consequences for carrying out their professional duties except in clear and compelling circumstances established by law. I, therefore, call for his unconditional release from Keffi prison,” Adeyanju stated.
The detention of Barrister Abdul Mahmud, a lawyer of over 30 years at the Bar and former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has drawn concern from various quarters, with observers questioning the timing of the remand, which could keep him in custody over the weekend.
As of press time, efforts to obtain official clarification from court authorities and members of Mahmud’s legal team were unsuccessful, while pressure continues to mount for a review of the remand order.
