A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has awarded N900m in damages against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, and five others for violating the fundamental human rights of Adara Elders in Kaduna State.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Hauwa’u Buhari on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in a case filed by Mr Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other Southern Kaduna Adara elders who were victims of illegal detention in 2019.

According to the court, El-Rufai’s actions were unlawful, and he was liable for the damages awarded.

The Judge granted an order of compensation in the sum of N 900 million against Nasir Ahmad Elrufai for arbitrary arrest which he personally orchestrated.

The court also awarded N10 million in general damages and N10 million in special damages against the Nigerian Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police of Kaduna State.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the applicants, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, who led SA Alkali and JN Buzun, described the judgment as a landmark achievement against abuse of fundamental human rights and abuse of power by the former governor.

“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,” Ballason said.

“The case was filed after Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai had left government, which explains why he was sued in personal capacity as the first respondent. Even when people in authority enjoy immunity, it does not warrant executive lawlessness.”

Ballason noted that the judgment was a significant victory for the Adara Elders and a reminder of the importance of accountability and respect for human rights, even for those in positions of authority.

The 2nd and 6th Respondents were represented by J.A. Danazumi Esq, Solicitor General and Koni Tauna Esq while Sirajo Mohammed Esq represented the 3rd, 4th and 5th Respondents.

When contacted for their reaction on the judgement, Counsel to the respondents Barrister J. A. Danazumi, who is the solicitor General, declined to comment.

The WHISTLER reports that the applicants were arrested and detained in 2019 following the murder of the paramount ruler, Dr. Raphael Maiwada Galadima. El-Rufai, who was governor at the time, personally ordered the police to arrest Mr. Awemi Maisamari, labeling him as “part of the security problem” in Kajuru.

Maisamari, who was the national President of the Adara Development Association at the time of his arrest, was detained along with eight other Adara elders, including a former Commissioner, Engr. Bawa Magaji, and a former Commissioner of Police.

The applicants were later released after months in detention on the advice of the Attorney General, who found nothing incriminating against them.