Court Awards N900 Million Against Ex-Governor El-Rufai for 2019 Detention of Southern Kaduna Elders, Orders Police To Pay N30m For Illegal Arrest
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has delivered a landmark judgment awarding N900 million in damages against former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai and five others for violating the fundamental human rights of nine Southern Kaduna Adara elders.
Presided over by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the ruling arose from a suit filed by Mr. Awemi Maisamari and eight other Adara elders, who were illegally detained in 2019 following the murder of the paramount ruler, Dr. Raphael Galadima.
The court found that El-Rufai’s actions in ordering the arrests were unlawful and held him personally liable. In addition to the N900 million damages against El-Rufai, the Nigerian Police Force, Inspector General of Police, and Kaduna State Commissioner of Police were each ordered to pay N10 million in general and special damages.
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The arrested elders included notable figures such as former commissioner Bawa Magaji and a former police commissioner. They were detained for months without evidence before their release on the advice of the Attorney General.
Speaking on the verdict, the lead counsel for the applicants, Gloria Ballason, described the ruling as a major victory for human rights and accountability. She emphasized that the case was filed against El-Rufai personally because he had left office, highlighting that official immunity does not justify abuse of power.
“This judgment is a powerful message that no one is above the law and that abuse of office will attract consequences,” Ballason stated.
The respondents’ legal representatives declined to comment when approached.
This judgment marks a significant step towards ensuring respect for fundamental rights and serves as a warning to public officials on the limits of executive authority.
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