The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, directed Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to pay a sum of N500 million to Murtala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, for violating his fundamental rights.
Justice Inyang Ekwo’s decision demands a public apology from Bello to Ajaka and orders security agencies to ensure Ajaka’s safety, preventing his arrest or harassment.
Mr Ajaka had, in the originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/952/2023 dated and filed on July 11 by S.E. Aruwa, SAN, sought protection from the court.
The SDP candidate sued Mr Bello; Nigeria Police Force; I-G; Kogi Commissioner of Police; Department of State Service (DSS); DSS DG as 1st to 6th respondents, respectively.
The applicant also joined the Director of DSS Command in Kogi; Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Chief of Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff as 7th to 11th respondents in the case.
Ajaka accused Bello of threatening his life after contesting the Kogi APC primary election and later moving to the SDP.
Bello’s preliminary objection claiming jurisdiction was dismissed by Justice Ekwo, stating the governor’s statements lacked specificity.