BREAKING: Kaduna CP Loses Case, N15m Damages for ADC, SDP Over Political Assembly Ban

In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, a Kaduna State High Court has struck out a case filed by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), awarding a total of N15 million in damages to the parties.

The suit, which sought to ban meetings and gatherings by political parties, followed the violent disruption of an ADC event attended by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and other party leaders. The court found that the police, allegedly acting in concert with state-sponsored thugs, had acted unconstitutionally.

Delivering judgment, Honourable Justice Murtala J. Zubairu stated that the actions of the Kaduna State Police breached statutory duties and infringed on the fundamental rights of the political parties. The court described the police conduct as “oppressive and high-handed,” noting the need for exemplary damages.

Justice Zubairu awarded:

N5 million for the arbitrary suspension of the ADC meeting and public portrayal of the parties as purveyors of violence.

N5 million for the unlawful ex-parte interim injunction obtained without the required undertaking as to damages.

N5 million for failure to investigate prior complaints and the subsequent injuries suffered by the parties.

The court further declared that the police’s actions amounted to selective enforcement, abuse of process, and an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and association. Consequently, the ex-parte injunction granted on September 4, 2025, was discharged.

The judgment also included a perpetual injunction restraining the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, his officers, and agents from interfering with lawful political activities of ADC and SDP without due process. The police are also directed to investigate the complaints of violence during the August 30, 2025, incident and submit a report to the Kaduna State Attorney-General within 60 days.

The court’s decision marks a significant victory for the ADC, SDP, and their leaders, reaffirming the constitutional protection of political assembly in Kaduna State.