Retired Judge Mahmoud Shehu granted bail in assault case involving blind woman

A retired Upper Shari’a Court Judge, Mahmoud Shehu, was granted bail on Tuesday by a Magistrate Court in Zaria, Kaduna State, after being accused of assaulting a blind housewife.

Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Adamu Salisu, presiding over the case, set the bail conditions for Shehu, requiring him to provide two sureties who are civil servants on Grade level 10, as well as a deposit of N100,000. The sureties must also submit their promotion letters, passport photographs, full addresses, and phone numbers. If Shehu fails to meet these conditions, he will remain in custody until the next hearing, scheduled for February 11, 2025.

Shehu faces charges under Sections 327, 237, and 239 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law (2017), for allegedly forcefully entering the victim’s home and assaulting her on September 6, 2024. The assault reportedly occurred after Shehu locked the main gate of the victim’s house, followed her into her room, and attacked her. Two women who attempted to intervene were also reportedly assaulted.

The victim, who sustained injuries, sought medical attention at the PHC Tudun Wada. Shehu, however, denied the allegations when questioned in court.

The case was initially filed at the Magistrate Court, Tudun Wada, Zaria, on September 10, 2024, but after multiple adjournments, the case was transferred to the Chief Magistrate Court 1 Chediya for reassignment following the withdrawal of the previous judge.