Businessman Zaidi Kanapiah, also known as Addy Kana, and police officers Muhamad Amin Nur Rashid Mohamed Puad and Mohd Hairy Mohammad were arrested on Oct 11, 2020, under Section 4 (1) (c) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

They had contended that their detention was done in bad faith.

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat ruled that police and the government “did not meet their legal burden to justify the lawfulness of the appellants’ detention”.

“The order of the High Court is set aside and the appellants’ application for a writ of habeas corpus is allowed.

“It is hereby directed that each of the appellants be released from custody forthwith,” she said.

Other judges who sat with Tengku Maimun were Vernon Ong, Zaleha Yusof, Hasnah Mohammed Hashim and Rhodzariah Bujang.

The three men, along with another businessman, Goh Leong Yeong (Alvin), are currently placed under two years’ detention at different prisons in Johor, Kedah and Pahang under Poca.

Previously, the High Court rejected the trio’s bid to secure freedom through the habeas corpus application.

The three men were represented by lead counsel Gopal Sri Ram while senior federal counsel Muhammad Sinti appeared for the government.

Meanwhile, co-counsel Jacky Loi told FMT that Goh’s habeas corpus appeal will be heard on July 1 but the legal team is seeking to expedite the hearing.

“We are currently getting the court’s sealed order to execute the release,” he added.