A Kano High Court at the Audu Bako Secretariat has issued a significant ruling to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from taking any coercive actions against Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, along with seven other individuals.
The ruling, handed down by Justice Yusuf Ubale Muhammad, responds to an application filed by the NNPP and other notable figures including Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, Dipo Olayanku, Ahmed Balewa, Chief Clement Anele, Lady Folshade Aliu, Eng. Buba Galadima, and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The court granted this order after reviewing a motion ex parte dated and submitted on June 5, 2024.
In his ruling, Justice Muhammad explicitly stated:
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“An interim order of injunction is hereby granted, restraining the respondent, either by itself, its agents, representatives, cronies, or whosoever acting on its behalf, from arresting, detaining, harassing, intimidating, inviting, or in any way infringing on the fundamental rights of the applicants, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed.”
This order represents a crucial legal protection for the applicants, ensuring that their fundamental rights are not violated while the court fully considers the motion on notice. Justice Muhammad also directed that all relevant documents, including the interim order, the motion on notice, and all other associated legal processes, be promptly served to the EFCC.
“It further ordered that both the interim order granted, the motion on notice, and all other processes in this suit shall be served on the respondent timeously and before the adjourned date.”
This legal action underscores the judicial system’s role in safeguarding individual rights against potential overreach by law enforcement agencies. The decision is seen as a protective measure to prevent any undue pressure or intimidation of political figures and their associates during ongoing legal proceedings.
The involvement of prominent individuals like Kwankwaso and the other applicants highlights the broader political and social implications of the case. This development is likely to draw significant public and media attention as it unfolds, given its potential impact on political dynamics and the rule of law in Nigeria.
