Court slams N900m on El-Rufai as damages for illegal arrest, detention of community elders

Kaduna High Court has slammed a N900m damages cost on the former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai for illegally arresting and detaining elders of Adara community in 2019.

Justice Hauwau Buhari gave the judgment in a case of fundamental human rights suit filed by Adara community elders.

The court held that El-Rufai was guilty of violating the fundamental rights of the elders.

Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other elders of the community in Southern Kaduna had filed the suit challenging their detention when El-Rufai was governor of the state.

The court ruled that Mallam El-Rufai is liable for illegally arresting and detaining the affected Adara elders and should pay them 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.