The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Apo, has awarded N20 million in damages to Mohammed Abubakar over what is described as illegal arrest and detention, as well as the violation of his fundamental rights to dignity and personal liberty.
The judgment, delivered on December 17, 2024, was presided over by Hon. Justice A. A. Halilu, who condemned the actions of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and declared the detention as un-lawful.
The case, filed on June 3, 2024, under suit number CV/3079/2024, detailed a series of events leading to Abubakar’s detention. Abubakar’s counsel, I. B. Ahmad, Esq, sought nine reliefs against the Respondent – the Inspector General of Police, citing gross violations of his client’s rights.
The incident began in May 2024 when a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Kuje Area Council chairmanship candidate, Hon. Hamidu Sarki Gaube, was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in Kuje, Abuja.
The assailants also kidnapped three passengers in his vehicle, leaving one person to escape. The murder and abductions caused a ripple of security concerns in the area.
On May 10, 2024, Mukaila, a resident of Gaube, sought help in Abaji town to deliver ransom payments to the kidnappers.
He approached a commercial motorcyclist union member, Taller, who introduced him to Moham- med Abubakar, the Applicant. Upon discovering they shared the same tribal background, Mukaila disclosed details of the ransom delivery and the location of the kidnappers in Chikara village.
It was learnt that Abubakar, attempting to assist Mukaila, arranged transportation for him to the kidnappers’ location.
However, due to reluctance from other motorcyclists, Abubakar eventually took Mukaila to the site himself.
Upon arriving, the kidnappers seized their phones and ordered Abubakar to transport another ransom bearer to the same location.
Abubakar complied under duress and facilitated the ransom delivery
