Hold on to your hats, folks! A Kaduna court just dropped a bombshell, ordering former Governor El-Rufai to cough up a whopping N900 million! Why? For the arbitrary and unlawful detention of nine Adara elders back in 2019. This is one story you absolutely have to hear to believe!
Quick Rundown: What’s the Buzz?
- Massive Fine: El-Rufai must pay N900 million for unlawful detention.
- Victims: Nine Adara elders were wrongly arrested and held.
- Court Ruling: Justice Hauwa’u Buhari slammed El-Rufai for violating fundamental human rights.
- Police Involvement: The Inspector General of Police and others are also implicated.
- Landmark Case: This sets a precedent against abuse of power.
The Backstory: Kajuru Crisis and Arrests
Back in February 2019, Kaduna was on edge. The Kajuru Local Government Area was plagued by violence, with bandits running wild. Then-Governor El-Rufai, now a former governor, pointed fingers at nine Adara elders, accusing them of being the masterminds behind the chaos. Based on those accusations, he ordered their immediate arrest on February 16, 2019.
43 Days of Injustice
Here’s where it gets outrageous. These elders were locked up for a staggering 43 days without a single trial! They were finally released on March 30th, 2019, but the damage was already done. This blatant disregard for due process is what landed El-Rufai in court.
The Courtroom Showdown: El-Rufai’s No-Show
Interestingly, El-Rufai didn’t even bother to show up in court! Despite being served, he never filed any defense or sent a representative. It seems he thought he was above the law, but Justice Hauwa’u Buhari proved him wrong.
Justice Served: N900 Million and a Stern Warning
The Federal High Court didn’t hold back. Justice Buhari ruled that detaining Awema Maisamari (one of the elders and former President of the Adara Development Association) for over 40 days without trial was a clear violation of his fundamental human rights. Not only did the court award N900 million in damages against El-Rufai and three others, but it also ordered the Inspector General of Police, the Kaduna State commissioner of police, and the Nigerian Police Force to pay N10 million to Maisamari.
Legal Eagle Speaks: A Win for Accountability
Gloria Ballason, the elders’ lawyer, didn’t mince words. She called the judgment a “landmark achievement against abuse of fundamental human rights and abuse of power.” According to her, even holding a high office doesn’t give anyone the right to act lawlessly.
What This Means for Nigeria
This case is a game-changer. It sends a clear message to all public officials: you can’t just throw people in jail without due process. Immunity or not, you’ll be held accountable for your actions. This ruling could pave the way for more citizens to seek justice against powerful figures who abuse their authority.
Additional Information: The Adara People and Their Struggles
The Adara people are an ethnic group primarily located in the southern part of Kaduna State. They have faced numerous challenges, including land disputes and conflicts with other communities. The arbitrary arrest and detention of their elders in 2019 was just one chapter in a long history of marginalization and injustice.
Related News: Police Under Scrutiny
- IGP Egbetokun Bans Arbitrary Arrests: The Inspector General of Police recently issued a ban on arbitrary arrests and phone searches by police officers. This move could be seen as a response to increasing public outcry over police misconduct.
- ECOWAS Court Awards N60 million for Torture: The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered Nigeria to pay N60 million to victims of torture, highlighting the ongoing human rights concerns in the country.
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