By Babban Jumai, Kano
KANO – A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ordered the Kano State Commissioner of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abdullahi Haruna to pay a fine of N1 million as damage to a victim of human right violation, Bashir Bashir Galandanci, a social media commentator for violating his fundamental Rights to speech.
Galadanchi was accused for defaming DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa on his social media handle and the court found to be false.
Justice Obiora maintained that the action of Kano Command’ PPRO DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa has violated the international practicing of Modern Policing.
The court also ordered that the respondents should tender an apology to the applicant.
Other respondents joined in the suit include one Inspector Abba Jakara, Oga Sabo, Imrana (1st Respondent, PPRO’s driver) and SP Uba Bangajiya (Officer in Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Kano).
Galandanci had through his counsel, Abba Hikima filed an application dated 13th December, 2019 before the court seeking for an order for enforcement of his fundamental rights.
The applicant in his application urged the court to order the respondents jointly to pay the sum of N50 million as damages and tender apology.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu while giving his judgment granted the applicant the sum of N1 million as damage and restrained the respondents in person or through their agents or privies from further threatening, intimidating, arresting and detaining the applicant in connection with the subject matter of this suit.
Egwuatu said, “An order is made awarding the sum of N1 million only as damages payable by the respondents jointly and severally to the applicant.
“The court also mandated the respondents to tender apology to the applicant for violating the applicant’s fundamental rights forthwith.
“The respondents are also restrained in person or through their agents or privies from further threatening, intimidating, arresting and detaining the applicant in connection with the subject matter of this suit.
“A declaration is made that the applicant reserved the rights to freedom of expression including the right to criticize the Nigeria Police Force.
“A declaration is made that the detention of the applicant by the respondents beyond the constitutional 24 hours violated the applicant’s right to personal liberty,” Justice Egwuatu said.
