Kaduna Court delivers landmark ruling against police over unconstitutional ban on political meetings
A Kaduna State High Court has struck out a case filed by the State Commissioner of Police against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), declaring it an “abuse of court process.”
Presiding Judge, Justice Murtala Zubairu, ruled that the police acted beyond their constitutional powers by banning political gatherings and disrupting an ADC meeting in August 2025, which was attended by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i and other political leaders.
The court described the police action as “oppressive, high-handed, and unconstitutional,” awarding a total of ₦15 million in damages to the affected parties.
Justice Zubairu also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the police from interfering in lawful political activities without due process, citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the rights to freedom of assembly and association.
He ordered the police to investigate the August 30, 2025 violence within 60 days and submit a report to the Attorney-General of Kaduna State.
The ruling, which voided the police’s blanket ban and ex-parte injunction obtained without proper legal standing, has been hailed by political observers as a major victory for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and rule of law.
About the Author
