Kano judge denies bail in kidnap case

A Kano State High Court has ordered three defendants accused of kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide to remain in custody, ruling that the gravity of the allegations outweighs arguments for their release on bail.

The defendants — Umar Abdullahi, Shafi’u Adamu and Jamilu Akilu — had asked the court to grant them bail, arguing that they had spent years in detention before the commencement of trial and were entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence.

However, Justice Maryam Ahmad Sabo rejected their applications, holding that the nature and seriousness of the charges did not justify their release at this stage of the proceedings.

“The court, when exercising its discretion in granting bail, must consider the seriousness and severity of the offences,” the judge ruled, adding that granting bail would not serve the interest of justice.

The defendants are standing trial alongside Muammiru Warawa over allegations that they abducted a woman identified as Aisha from Saunar Kawaji in Gezawa Local Government Area in June 2021 and held her captive for six days before collecting a N5 million ransom from her family.

Prosecutors further alleged that the suspects, armed with AK-47 rifles, robbed Alhaji Bello Abdullahi and members of his household of mobile phones during the incident.

The accused persons were also charged with attempted culpable homicide over the alleged shooting of one Magaji Usman in the leg during the attack.

While dismissing the bail requests of the first three defendants, the court upheld an earlier decision granting bail to the fourth defendant, Muammiru Warawa, on health grounds.

All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges and the trial is expected to continue before the Kano State High Court.