A c sitting in Dutse, Jigawa State, has ordered Governor Sule Lamido, a local government Chairman, and the Nigeria Police Force to pay N50 million as damages to two members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
Messrs Nakudu and Ado Gwanki filed two separate suits before Justice Sabi’u Yahuza, in January, seeking an enforcement of their fundamental rights after thugs led by Alhaji Khalid, the Chairman of Birnin-Kudu local council, and police officers stormed Mr. Nakudu’s home and opened fire.
Joined as respondents were Mr. Lamido, Mr. Khalid, Jigawa State Police Commissioner, and Inspector General of Police.
Mr. Nakudu, a member representing Buji/Birnin-kudu Federal Constituency, is vying for the Jigawa Southwest Senatorial seat under the APC after he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The incident happened when Mr. Lamido and his entourage, passing Birnin-Kudu town on their way to a campaign rally in Gwaram, ran into a horde of APC supporters.
A clash ensued, leading to the police firing at a 40-year old APC member, Ado Gwanki.
It was gathered that the APC supporters fled into Mr. Nakudu’s compound, with Mr. Khalid, his thugs, and police officers in hot pursuit, with Mr. Lamido allegedly ordering his boys to attack and shoot anybody found within the house and the premises.
Delivering his judgment on Wednesday, the judge awarded N30 million and N20 million to Messrs Nakudu and Gwanki respectively, to be paid by the respondents jointly and severally.
The applicants had filed the suit also seeking a declaration that the Police have no statutory power to unlawfully enter into Mr. Nakudu’s property and shoot sporadically and that neither the governor nor any person has any right to deprive them of their right to private and family life.
They also sought an order restraining the respondents or their agents and supporters from entering Mr. Nakudu’s property and a public apology in, at least, two national dailies and Jigawa State owned radio stations.
The judge granted all the relieves.
Source: Premium times
