Ibrahima Dangari
Kaduna, Nigeria – Nine Adara Elders have dragged former Kaduna Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, to court over alleged human rights abuses, seeking N2.3 billion in damages.
Led by former Chairman of the Adara Development Association, Mr. Aweni Dio Maisamari, the claimants demand justice for their unjust imprisonment by the El-Rufai-led administration in 2019.
According to their lawyer, Gloria Ballason, El-Rufai specifically directed the arrest of Maisamari without investigation or reasonable suspicion of crime. The court found no evidence against them and dismissed the case.
The Adara Elders were imprisoned for over three months, alongside other prominent community leaders, including a former Commissioner of Police and the Waziri Adara, who was next in line to the murdered Chief, Rafael Maiwada Galadima.
The claimants are seeking damages, including:
- N900 million for arbitrary arrest and perpetual injunction
- N100 million for general and exemplary damages
- N500 million for other damages incurred during the court case
- N800 million in special damages given the quantum of rights violated
Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court Kaduna adjourned the case to next month, allowing time for proper service to the respondents.
The case has generated significant interest, with many watching to see how it unfolds. The adjournment has given the respondents time to prepare their defense.
The Adara Elders’ lawyer expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice. “We are hopeful that the court will consider the evidence and grant our clients the compensation they deserve,” Ballason said.
By Mike Odeh James and Luka Binnyat
Dan Zaki Media 