The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, along with five others, to pay N900 million in damages for the illegal arrest and detention of nine Southern Kaduna elders in 2019.
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari delivered the ruling on Tuesday in a fundamental human rights case filed by Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other leaders from the Adara community. The elders were detained following the killing of their traditional ruler, Dr. Raphael Maiwada Galadima.
The court held that the elders were unlawfully detained for several months without justification, constituting a violation of their fundamental rights.
Despite objections from the respondents — including El-Rufai, various security agencies, and state officials — challenging the court’s jurisdiction, the judge ruled that the case fell squarely within the purview of human rights enforcement.
El-Rufai, sued in his personal capacity, was found liable for ordering the arrests during a town hall meeting convened shortly after the monarch’s murder. The elders were branded threats to peace and detained without formal charges.
Those detained included a former commissioner, a retired police officer, and other notable community figures. They were eventually released after the Kaduna State Attorney General reviewed the case and determined there was no legal basis for their detention.
The incident followed the abduction and gruesome murder of the Agom Adara, Dr. Galadima, who was kidnapped while returning to his palace from Kasuwan Magani — a community known for recurring crises. His police orderly and three palace guards were killed during the abduction, and although his wife was released, his mutilated body was later found by the roadside.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
