Ban On Political Activities: Kaduna ADC Hails Judiciary, As Court Slams N15m On Police

By; ABDULWAHEED OLAYINKA ADUBI, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Chapter of the African Democratic Party (ADC), has applauded the Judiciary over its firmness to restore hope and strengthen Nigerian democracy through its judgment in Kaduna on Wednesday.

The High Court of Justice of Kaduna State, declared that the police decision to issue a ban on political activities in the state, and further seeking a judicial ban is a breach of its statutory duty and abuse of state power, therefore slammed the sum of N15M million Naira fine on the police.

The party in a statement issued and signed by its Chairman, Elder Patrick D. Ambut, said that the court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration on the ban placed on political activities in the state by declaring that the power to prevent crime must be exercised reasonably by the police and within the confines of the law.

In the judgment delivered by Hon Justice Murtala Zubairu dated 15th of October, 2025, declared that the Applicant’s (The Police) statutory duty under section 83(4) of the Police Act 2020 is explicit, citing that the police officer shall provide adequate security for any person or group of persons wishing to hold an assembly, procession or demonstration in any public place.

Recall that the Kaduna State Police Command placed a ban on all “unauthorised political gatherings” across the state following the violence that broke out at a meeting of opposition politicians under the aegis of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) the coalition party attended by former governor of the state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on Saturday, 3oth August, 2025

The police subsequently invited el-Rufai and six ADC members for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement, and public disturbance.

However, in its judgement on Wednesday, the court awarded N15 million in damages to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing the police’s conduct as a “gross violation” of the political parties’ rights to peaceful assembly and association

In addition, Justice Zubairu directed the police to investigate the August 30 attack and submit a detailed report to the Attorney-General of Kaduna State within 60 days.

According to the ADC Chairman, the judgement is the reaffirmation of the constitutional rights of citizens’ and Political Parties rights of peaceful assembly and a warning against the misuse of police powers in political matters.

While also thanking the judiciary for promoting the values of democracy in the face of glaring clampdown on the opposition by the ruling APC, using the state apparatus.

He therefore, called on all the party supporters and members to be law abiding, and urging them to be guided by the party’s principles, which promotes peace, unity, progress and ones of the country.