A Zamfara State High Court in Gusau has denied bail to Saifullahi Muhammad, a suspected bandit accused of terrorising communities in the state.
Presiding Judge, Justice Bello Muhammad Kucheri, ruled that the bail application submitted by the defendant lacked merit.
The defendant’s counsel, Barrister Abdulfatahu Muhammad, argued for bail based on Sections 35 and 36 (5) of the Nigerian Constitution and Sections 171, 174, and 175 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Zamfara State.
He urged the court to grant the application based on these provisions.
However, the prosecution, represented by Barrister Ibrahim B. Ahmad, opposed the bail.
He argued that given the severity of the crimes the defendant is accused of, granting bail could negatively impact the trial.
Saifullahi Muhammad was arrested by the police on May 11 and arraigned on June 27, 2024, on charges of conspiracy, banditry, and kidnapping.
He is accused of participating in the negotiation for the release of former Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Bello Furfuri, who was attacked by bandits and had his nine children abducted.
Saifullahi allegedly acted as a mediator between the bandits and Furfuri’s family, negotiating a ransom of N80 million, of which he collected and delivered N10 million as partial payment to the bandits.
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