The Adamawa State Police Command has expressed strong disagreement with a judgment by the State High Court ordering the release of a suspected kidnapper, Hammadu Musa, and awarding him N5 million in damages for alleged illegal detention.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Benjamin Manji, directed the immediate release of Musa, citing unconstitutional detention spanning five years without trial. The court described the extended detention as a violation of the suspect’s fundamental rights.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the Command contested the ruling, insisting it had followed due legal process. According to the statement, Musa was apprehended by local vigilantes on allegations of kidnapping and handed over to the police for investigation.
“Following investigations, a prima facie case was reportedly established against him, leading to his arraignment in court,” the statement explained.
The police disclosed that the case file had been forwarded to the Adamawa State Ministry of Justice for legal advice and prosecution. They clarified that Musa’s detention was in accordance with a court order that remanded him in a correctional facility in Yola, rejecting claims of illegal detention by the Command.
The Command assured the public of its commitment to upholding justice, announcing its intention to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to appeal the court’s decision.
“We will seek a review of the judgment to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” the statement read.
The case has drawn public attention, highlighting tensions between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary over due process and human rights.
