Habeas Corpus: Court Orders Police To Show Cause Why Detained Mohammed Shehu Should Not Be Released from Custody.

Justice H. Mu’azu of the FCT High Court, has ordered the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to appear before it on the 9th of December, 2020, alongside Mr. Mohamed Mahdi Shehu, and show cause why Mr. Shehu should not be released from its detention.

The order was made today, in response to an Ex-parte application dated November 30, 2020 and prepared by Mr. Madu Gadzama of J-K Gadzama LLP. The application which is seeking the release of Mr. Mohamed Mahdi Shehu from the continuous incarceration by the police has the Nigerian Police Force and the IGP as Respondents.

Prayer number two (2) is granted, directing the respondent to produce the applicant before this court on the 9th of December, to show cause why the applicant should not be released by the court”

“The suit was adjourned to the 9th of December, 2020 for hearing of the substantive matter” the order reads.

Recall that Mr. Mahdi Shehu was on the 25th of November, 2020 detained by the police at Abuja and has since been in police custody without any charge. Recall also that due to the condition of the police detention center Mr. Mahdi is alleged to have been bitten by a venomous snake.

Although it is not yet clear the reason for the detention of Mr. Mahdi Shehu, however, it would be recalled that Mr. Shehu had, on the 24th of November 2020, served as a Keynote Speaker at the 12th Annual Public Lecture of J-K Gadzama LLP, during which he had lamented about the numerous ills bedeviling the country, especially on issues of security, corruption, nepotism amongst others.

The application has be adjourned to the 9th of December, 2020 for the substantive hearing of the Fundamental Right Action.