RULAAC condemns ‘Judicial Ambush,’ demands immediate release of lawyer Abdul Mahmud

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has strongly condemned what it described as a “judicial ambush” leading to the revocation of bail and remand of prominent human rights lawyer, Abdul Mahmud Aminu, in Keffi Prison, Nasarawa State.

In a press statement issued on February 27, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation described the action of the Senior Magistrate’s Court in Mararaba as a grave affront to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the constitutional right to a fair trial.

Mahmud, a respected legal practitioner with over three decades at the Bar, had voluntarily returned from the United Kingdom to face trial. His bail, which was granted in June 2023 on self-recognisance without conditions, was reportedly revoked by Senior Magistrate Amina Yusuf over alleged breaches of bail terms — allegations his legal team has firmly denied.

According to RULAAC, the abrupt revocation of bail and the subsequent remand in Keffi Prison raise serious concerns about the integrity of judicial processes and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria.

The organisation noted that the circumstances surrounding Mahmud’s remand stem from his involvement in advocating against alleged police harassment.

It said the lawyer had filed petitions on behalf of clients and community associations accusing senior police personnel of abuse of authority and intimidation.

RULAAC warned that the development reflects troubling dynamics in which lawyers, activists, and citizens who challenge alleged abuses by state agents risk being targeted through the judicial system itself.

“Judicial processes must not be weaponised as instruments of retaliation against legal practitioners or citizens for asserting their constitutional rights,” the statement read.

The group emphasised that bail, once lawfully granted, cannot be arbitrarily revoked without due process consistent with both national laws and international human rights standards. It further stressed that judicial independence and the right to legal defence remain sacrosanct pillars of democratic governance.

Describing the development as a dangerous precedent, RULAAC expressed deep concern that the use of judicial authority in a punitive manner could embolden intimidation and harassment through legal channels, thereby weakening public trust in the justice system.

The organisation consequently made four key demands: the immediate release of Abdul Mahmud Aminu pending a fair and impartial hearing; an urgent review of the circumstances leading to the revocation of his bail; a reaffirmation by judicial and prosecutorial authorities of their commitment to due process; and close monitoring of the case by relevant oversight institutions.

Specifically, RULAAC called on the National Judicial Council and international human rights institutions to monitor proceedings and ensure accountability.

The advocacy centre reiterated its commitment to defending human rights, safeguarding legal practitioners from retaliation, and promoting transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s justice system.

As reactions continue to trail the development, legal observers say the case could test the resilience of judicial independence and the broader protection of civil liberties in the country.