An Islamic preacher, Muhammad Ndaman, popularly known as Baba-Abuja, has appealed to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, to intervene in his quest for justice following what he described as 11 months of unlawful detention, insisting that court judgments in his favour must be enforced.

Ndaman, who identified himself as the National President of the Youth Preachers Alliance for Bago 2023, said his ordeal had caused him grave personal concern, prompting him to seek the governor’s attention and assistance in ensuring that justice was served.

In an open letter made available to journalists in Niger State, the Islamic preacher alleged that he was detained on October 23, 2023, following actions involving Chief Magistrate I, Minna, Uma Katume Mohammed, under circumstances he maintained were contrary to the law.

https://voxnews.com.ng/keonyenasoa-emerges-president-of-inner-wheel-club-unveils-agenda/

He said his detention was based on allegations that he stood as surety for a criminal suspect who subsequently absconded from trial. Ndaman, however, insisted that the allegation was unfounded and lacked sufficient justification.

According to him, the detention was subsequently challenged in court, where judicial pronouncements were made declaring the actions against him illegal and unconstitutional.

The preacher appealed to Governor Bago to ensure that the relevant court orders were enforced, stressing that his demand was not merely about compensation but also about restoring his dignity, protecting his fundamental rights and demonstrating that the rule of law must prevail.

‘We Mobilised Support for Your Administration’

Recalling his organisation’s political and civic contributions, Ndaman said the Youth Preachers Alliance for Bago 2023 was established to support the administration’s vision through peace advocacy, unity campaigns, voter education and civic engagement.

He described the alliance as a coalition of young Islamic preachers committed to the spiritual upliftment and socio-political advancement of Niger State and Nigeria.

“We were among the major mobilisers and advocates devoted to peace and the success of this administration during the last general elections, a bold move that helped change the public mindset and contributed significantly to the overwhelming victory both at the state and national levels,” he stated.

Ndaman also reminded the governor that the organisation had conducted a one-day seminar across the state’s four emirate councils on the theme, ‘The Significance of Islamiyya Teachers in Our Politics’.

He said the initiative was part of the group’s efforts to encourage constructive political participation among Islamic scholars and teachers while promoting peace and unity.

Against this background, the preacher appealed to Bago to give attention to his case, expressing hope that the governor would appreciate the gravity of his situation and support efforts to secure compliance with the court’s decisions.

Ndaman Recounts Legal Battle

In the letter, Ndaman referred to an earlier correspondence dated October 3, 2024, with reference number YPA/NGO/003/VOL.1, titled ‘My Eleven Months Unlawful Detention’.

He said he had pursued legal remedies to challenge his detention and protect his fundamental rights.

According to him, he instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Commissioner of Police and three other respondents at the Federal High Court, Minna, in Suit No. FHC/MN/CS/66/2024.

Ndaman said the court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Abdullah M. Dan-Ige, made findings concerning the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention, conviction and imprisonment.

He quoted the judgment as declaring that the alleged misconduct and careless acts of the second and third respondents, which led to the actions taken against him by the Chief Magistrate Court I, Minna, were unjustified, illegal and unconstitutional.

The judgment, as reproduced in his letter, also found violations of his rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement under Sections 35(1) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, as well as relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Court Orders ₦11m in Damages and Costs

Ndaman further stated that the Federal High Court ordered the respondents, jointly and severally, to pay him ₦10 million in damages for what the court described in its judgment as unlawful arrest, detention, conviction and imprisonment.

He also quoted the court as ordering the respondents to publish a public apology to him in a national newspaper with wide circulation within 30 days of the judgment.

Additionally, the court reportedly awarded him ₦1 million as litigation costs, bringing the total monetary award to ₦11 million.

Ndaman said he attached a copy of the judgment to his letter to clarify the legal position and address what he described as rumours and speculation surrounding his case.

He urged the governor to examine the circumstances of his ordeal and assist in ensuring that the court’s orders receive the required attention and enforcement.

‘I Need Justice, Your Excellency’

Expressing his determination to pursue the matter, Ndaman made an emotional appeal to Bago, saying he was seeking justice after what he described as a prolonged and painful experience.

“This is the judgment as delivered by Hon. Justice Abdullah M. Dan-Ige. I need justice and enforcement of this judgment, Your Excellency,” he appealed.

https://punchng.com/breaking-harry-kane-wins-2026-ballon-dor

For Ndaman, the appeal represents a call for accountability and respect for judicial decisions, as he seeks to move beyond the consequences of his reported detention and obtain the remedies granted by the court.

His appeal also raises a fresh questions about the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, accountability in the administration of justice and the importance of enforcing valid court orders.