Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of fellow legal practitioner, Abdul Mahmud, who is currently being held at the Keffi Correctional Centre, Nasarawa State.
Adeyanju stressed that lawyers must not face punishment for performing their professional duties. He made the call on Friday amid growing concerns within Nigeria’s legal and civil rights community over Mahmud’s remand following a court order. In a statement he shared, Adeyanju said he became aware of reports indicating that Mahmud had been remanded in custody pursuant to a judicial directive, noting that despite having an ongoing civil case against Mahmud, the lawyer’s constitutional right to liberty must be respected. “I have been made aware of reports regarding the remand of @AbdulMahmud01 pursuant to an order of court,” Adeyanju stated.
He disclosed that although he currently has a pending civil suit against Mahmud before a competent court of law, the situation should not justify actions capable of undermining fundamental rights or due process. “While I have a pending civil suit against him which remains before the court for determination, I believe that the preservation of a person’s liberty should always be approached with caution and in strict adherence to due process,” he said.
Adeyanju further warned against growing trend of exposing lawyers to punitive consequences simply for discharging their professional responsibilities, emphasising that such actions could have dangerous implications for the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession. “Lawyers should not be exposed to punitive consequences for carrying out their professional duties except in clear and compelling circumstances established by law,” he said. The activist therefore called on relevant authorities to immediately review the circumstances surrounding Mahmud’s detention and ensure his freedom without delay. “I, therefore, call for his unconditional release from Keffi prison,” Adeyanju added.
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