The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate release of politician and businessman Bashir Hadejia, declaring his arrest, detention, and home invasion unlawful. Presiding Judge Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on Tuesday, imposing a N10 million fine against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for violating Hadejia’s fundamental human rights.

The court also issued a perpetual injunction preventing the IGP, his agents, or servants from arresting or detaining Hadejia unlawfully.

Hadejia, a former special adviser to ex-Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle, was arrested in August 2024 by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) over alleged treason and subversion charges. However, his detention was widely seen as politically motivated due to his fallout with Matawalle after the latter failed reelection bid in 2023.

Through his lawyer, Mahmud Magaji, Hadejia filed an originating motion, demanding his release and N500 million in damages. He argued that the arrest violated constitutional rights, lacked due process, and was orchestrated to tarnish his reputation.

While respondents, including Matawalle, DSS, and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), dismissed the allegations, Judge Nwite ruled that the IGP’s failure to respond rendered the claims valid. “Unchallenged evidence presented in court is deemed true,” the judge stated.

Although the court found no evidence linking Matawalle to the arrest or Hadejia’s detention in DSS custody, it emphasized the need for security agencies to follow due process to uphold citizens’ rights.

Hadejia’s case underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights amid political and legal disputes.