27 February 2026, Abuja
Prominent Nigerian lawyer and activist Abdul Mahmud has been remanded in prison custody following the revocation of his bail by a senior magistrate in Mararaba. The decision, which Mahmud described as a “judicial ambush,” stems from allegations of breaching bail conditions, though he insists no such conditions existed.
In a formal statement released on social media platform X earlier today, Mahmud detailed the events leading to his remand. Senior Magistrate Amina Yusuf, presiding in Mararaba, revoked the bail originally granted to him on 3 June 2023. The bail had been issued on self-recognisance, without any attached conditions, according to Mahmud. The court’s stated reason for the revocation was an alleged breach of those conditions, a claim Mahmud vehemently disputes.
“This revocation appears to be a judicial ambush, calculated to punish me for asserting my rights in the face of sustained harassment by a serving police officer, DCP Amabua Muhammad,” Mahmud wrote in his statement. He linked the action to a petition written by one of his clients, the Fatima Estate Association, addressed to the former Inspector-General of Police. The petition highlighted ongoing harassment by police officials, which reportedly led to the client being summoned by authorities in October last year.
Mahmud, who has practised at the Bar for 34 years, expressed shock at the development. “In my 34 years at the Bar, I have never encountered a situation in which a court sought to restrain a defendant from defending himself against persistent official intimidation, effectively tying his hands whilst his adversary operates with impunity,” he stated.
The lawyer’s legal team, led by Innocent Da’agba, is already taking steps to challenge the ruling. Mahmud emphasised that these actions are aimed at addressing the issue and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.
The case has drawn attention amid broader concerns about judicial independence and police conduct in Nigeria. Mahmud, known for his outspoken criticism of government policies and advocacy for human rights, has previously been involved in high-profile legal battles. Details of the original charges leading to his 2023 bail were not specified in the statement, but the incident appears tied to ongoing disputes involving police harassment.
As of this afternoon, no official response from the court or police authorities has been made public. Mahmud’s supporters have begun rallying on social media, calling for his immediate release and a review of the magistrate’s decision.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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