A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ruled that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, must pay N900 million in damages. This decision was made because of the illegal arrest and detention of nine elders from the Adara community in Kajuru, which took place in 2019.

The judge, Hauwa’u Buhari, gave the ruling on Tuesday, May 27. She said that El-Rufai was personally responsible for ordering the arrest, which violated the basic rights of the elders.

The case was filed by Awemi Dio Maisamari, the former president of the Adara Development Association. He was arrested along with eight other elders and kept in detention for 43 days without trial. El-Rufai had accused them of being involved in violence in Kajuru, but they were later freed after no evidence was found against them.

Apart from El-Rufai, the court also held the Nigeria Police Force responsible. The judge ordered the police, including the Inspector General and the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, to pay N20 million — N10 million for general damages and another N10 million for special damages.

The case was taken to court in March 2024. The elders had asked for a total of N2.3 billion in compensation. This amount covered the violation of their rights, financial losses, and harm to their reputations. Even though the court awarded a smaller amount, the judgment was seen as a major win for the elders.

The lawyer representing the elders, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, said this was an important judgment. She pointed out that just because someone had immunity while in office doesn’t mean they should be allowed to abuse their power. She also said it’s necessary to make sure former government officials are held accountable for their actions.

The case went ahead without El-Rufai being present in court. He was notified through substituted service, but neither he nor his lawyers appeared. Other officials named in the case, including the police, have not yet responded to the court’s ruling.