The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have expressed deep concern over alleged attempts to tamper with the freedom of Abba Kyari, a prominent Nigerian police officer currently facing legal proceedings.
In a separate statements released by the President General AYCF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima and Suleiman Abba NAN, they underscored the significance of bail as “a fundamental right that allows individuals accused of crimes to maintain their liberty while awaiting trial. Bail, when granted in cases of bailable offenses, enables the accused to resume their daily activities under specified court-imposed conditions.”
The northern groups also condemned actions that undermine the concept of bail, which plays a crucial role in upholding justice and fairness in the legal system.
Shettima emphasised that Kyari was granted bail within the bounds of the law, and there was no evidence of him violating the terms of his release or obstructing the course of justice.
“Despite this, AYCF has observed alarming reports suggesting attempts to intimidate and harass individuals on bail, raising serious concerns about the protection of legal rights.
“The AYCF calls for the preservation of the rule of law and the safeguarding of individuals’ rights to fair treatment within the legal system.
“In light of recent events regarding the bail of Abba Kyari, it is crucial to emphasise that tampering with an accused bail should only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
“The interests of justice and the protection of the community must be key considerations when contemplating the restriction of an individual’s liberty.
“Courts must act in accordance with principles of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law to ensure that the rights of all individuals, including the presumption of innocence and the right to liberty, are respected.
“Any decision to deny Abba Kyari the full freedom to enjoy his bail should be met with resistance and challenge if it is believed to infringe upon his fundamental rights.
“The principles of justice and the rule of law are fundamental pillars of a democratic society. It is imperative that these principles are upheld and protected at all times. The right to bail is not a privilege to be granted or revoked at the whim of those in power, but a fundamental right that must be respected and safeguarded,” the statement said.
Suleiman also said, “the right to bail serves as a fundamental principle of the legal system in Nigeria. It is intended to protect individuals like Abba Kyari from arbitrary detention and ensure that justice is carried out in a fair and impartial manner.”
Suleiman emphasised that “in cases where offenses are bailable, it is presumed that the accused should be allowed to await trial outside of custody unless there are substantial reasons to believe that they may pose a flight risk, endanger public safety, or interfere with the judicial process.
“Tampering with an accused’s bail should be a measure of last resort, reserved for exceptional circumstances where the interests of justice and the protection of the community outweigh the presumption of innocence and the right to liberty. It is essential that the courts act in accordance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law to ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected.
“NAN stands firm in its commitment to upholding the rights of individuals, including Abba Kyari, to fair and just legal processes without unwarranted interference.”
