Kaduna, Nigeria – May 28, 2025
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to pay N900 million in damages for the unlawful arrest and detention of nine Adara community elders in 2019.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Hauwau Buhari, who held that El-Rufai violated the fundamental human rights of the elders, including their right to liberty and dignity.
The suit was filed by Awemi Dio Maisamari and eight other elders of the Adara community, who were arrested in the wake of a security crisis in Southern Kaduna.
In addition to the damages awarded against El-Rufai, the court also ordered the Inspector General of Police and the Nigerian Police Force to each pay N10 million for their roles in the illegal detention.
Legal Counsel: Victory for Human Rights and Accountability
Reacting to the judgment, Gloria Ballason, counsel to the Adara elders, hailed the ruling as a landmark case for human rights in Nigeria.
“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,” said Ballason. “Even when people in authority enjoy immunity, it does not warrant executive lawlessness.”
The judgment echoes a 2017 decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered El-Rufai’s administration to pay N40 million in damages to Audu Maikori, CEO of Chocolate City Group, for his unlawful arrest and detention.
This latest ruling strengthens the legal precedent holding public officials accountable for actions taken while in office—even after their tenure has ended.
