Court declares Ex-Matawalle aide’s detention unlawful, orders release

PEOPLES GAZETTE

The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Tuesday ordered the unconditional release of Bashir Hadejia, an aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, while he was Governor of Zamfara State.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a judgement, described Mr Hadejia’s arrest and subsequent detention since August 12, 2024, without being charged to court, as unlawful and in breach of his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution.

Mr Nwite, who made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police, his agents or servants, from any unlawful arrest and detention of Mr Hadejia, awarded N10 million as general and exemplary damages against the I-G.

The judge declared the invasion of the applicant’s residence by the agents of the police on August 12, 2024, as illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.