A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant ruling, compelling Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to pay the sum of N500 million to Murtala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This order stems from the court’s determination that Governor Bello violated Ajaka’s fundamental rights.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in delivering the decision, not only mandated the financial compensation but also directed Governor Bello to publicly apologize to Ajaka for what was deemed a “gross and unwarranted violation” of his rights. Additionally, the court instructed security agencies and their leaders to ensure the safety of Ajaka.
The presiding judge went further to issue a comprehensive injunction, prohibiting security agencies from engaging in actions such as arrest, abduction, detention, and any form of harassment, intimidation, shooting, or threats against the life and properties of the applicant.
This legal matter was initiated by Ajaka, who sought protection against Governor Bello through an originating motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/952/2023) filed on July 11. The respondents in the case include the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Service (DSS), and the Director General of the DSS. Other respondents encompass the Director of the DSS Command in Kogi, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Naval Staff.
