Court orders El-Rufai to pay N900 million as damages for illegally arresting, detaining critics
The Kaduna Division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday ordered the state’s former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to pay N900 million as damages for violating the fundamental rights of Adara community elders in 2019.
Justice Hauwau Buhari delivered the judgment in the suit filed by Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other elders of the community in Southern Kaduna.
The court ruled that Mr El-Rufai is liable for illegally arresting and detaining the affected Adara elders and should pay N900 million in damages.
The Inspector General of Police and the Nigerian Police Force were also ordered to pay N10 million each as damages for their role in the arrest and detention of the Adara elders.
Counsel to the elders, Gloria Ballason, described the judgment as a big win against abuse of power.
“This judgment marks a watershed against abuse of power and accountability for abuse, whether the occupiers of the office are temporarily shielded by immunity or not,” Ms Ballason said. “Even when people in authority enjoy immunity, it does not warrant executive lawlessness.”
Tuesday’s judgment was reminiscent of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court’s ruling that ordered Mr El-Rufai’s government to pay N40 million to Audu Maikori, the president of Chocolate City Group, as compensation for his unlawful arrest and detention in 2017.
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