The Federal High Court in Kaduna has slammed a N900 million fine as damages against the immediate past governor of Kaduna, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and five others over the illegal arrest and detention of the Adara community elders in 2019.
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the trial court gave the verdict on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in a suit filed by Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other elders from Adara, a Southern Kaduna community. The court held that they were unlawfully detained after their traditional ruler, Dr. Raphael Maiwada Galadima, was killed.
Court strikes out El-Rufai’s objection
In the judgment, Justice Buhari struck out the preliminary objections instituted by the respondents.
The defendant argued that the Federal High Court did not have the jurisdiction to case, adding that it was a tort case, which did not involve fundamental human rights.
However, the court held that there was no merit in the objection and proceeded with its ruling.
According to Vanguard, the former governor, who was sued in his capacity, was found guilty of personally issuing the arrest order, as the court ordered a total compensation of N900 million.
The court also ordered the Nigerian Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna to pay N10 million each as general and special damages.
Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq., the lead counsel of the applicants, described the judgment as a landmark against the abuse of power.
She noted that it will serve as a reminder to public office holders that they will be held accountable even after their tenure in office.
Why El-Rufai is fighting a lost battle
9japolitics.com earlier reported that Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna state, has been predicted to be fighting a lost battle with President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
Omotayo Yusuf, a political commentator, in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, commented while speaking on the recent criticism of El-Rufai on Tinubu and the APC.
According to Yusuf, Tinubu has gained the APC structure in Kaduna, returning peace to Kaduna and giving southern Kaduna the attention that they have been yearning for.
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Proofreading by Ibrahim Abdullahi, copy editor at 9japolitics.com
Source: 9japolitics.com
