Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has said he would not stop the “criminal trial” of the Chocolate City boss, Audu Maikori, despite the award of N40million in damages against him and the Nigeria Police by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
El-Rufai, speaking through his spokesperson Samuel Aruwan, said the judgement would be appealed, insisting that neither him nor the police had erred in the arrest and detention of the music entrepreneur.
“The state government can file complaints, but it is the business of the police to make arrests following the normal procedures.
“Our lawyers will study the judgement and take the appropriate steps. We will appeal up to the Supreme Court if necessary,” he said.
Justice John Tsoho in his ruling on Friday, said Maikori’s rights had been violated.
He pointed out that his judgement has no bearing nor does it interfere with the ongoing trial of Maikori in Kaduna.
Tsoho also ruled that the police could justifiably arrest suspects for allegedly violating the law and order on the cyberspace.
However, in the case of Maikori, the law enforcement agency erred. He held that “the arrest was improper, irregular and wrongful.
He pointed out that the police did not register the arrest warrant with any court of competent jurisdiction in Lagos before making the arrest.
