Muhammad Bello Sues Kano Police: N900m Claim After 11-Year Detention

• Muhammad Bello was released on August 14, 2026, after spending 11 years in a Kano correctional facility without formal charges.
• He was arrested in 2015 based on an alleged confession from a murder suspect, who later recanted, claiming police torture.
• Bello was never brought before a judge during his entire detention period, despite court appearances.
• His lawyer, Usman Fari, plans to sue the police and the Attorney-General of Kano State for N900 million in compensation for unlawful detention.
• Bello, who lost his livelihood, describes his experience as painful and wrongful, asserting his innocence.

The demand for N900 million in compensation by Muhammad Bello against the Kano police and the Attorney-General underscores the potential for substantial financial penalties when state actors are found to have violated citizens' rights through unlawful detention.

Muhammad Bello, a resident of Kwanar Dangora in Kano State's Kiru Local Government Area, recently regained his freedom after an astonishing 11 years spent in a correctional facility without ever facing formal charges. His release, ordered by Kano State Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki on August 14, 2026, during a visit to the facility, marks the end of a prolonged period of detention that has left him struggling to rebuild his life and livelihood.

Bello, who relied on farming and animal husbandry for his survival, asserts that he has lost everything except his faith during his unjust incarceration. He describes the experience as profoundly painful and wrongful, emphasizing his innocence and the absence of any evidence of wrongdoing against him throughout the entire period. His current focus is on recovering from the immense personal and financial toll of his detention.

Despite his long-awaited release, Bello is not closing this chapter without seeking accountability. His lawyer, Usman Fari, has announced intentions to initiate a significant legal action against the police and the Attorney-General of Kano State. This Kano unlawful detention lawsuit will demand a substantial N900 million in compensation and damages.

Fari stated that the lawsuit aims to address the severe human rights violation Nigeria experienced by his client due to the alleged unlawful detention. The claim for N900 million reflects the extensive period of incarceration without trial and the profound impact it has had on Bello's life and future prospects, setting a precedent for potential damages in similar cases.

Bello's ordeal began in 2015 when he was arrested by the police. He was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility based on an alleged confession made by one Umar Gano, who was accused of murder. However, Bello maintains that Gano later retracted his statement, denying any implication of Bello in the crime, a denial that Gano allegedly made after being subjected to torture by the police.

Crucially, throughout his 11 years in detention, Muhammad Bello was never formally charged with any offense. He also recounted that despite being taken to court on various occasions, he was never actually brought before a judge, effectively denying him due process and the opportunity to defend himself against any accusations.

This case highlights critical issues within Nigeria's justice system, particularly concerning the rights of detainees and the responsibilities of law enforcement. The prolonged detention of an individual for over a decade without formal charges or judicial appearance represents a significant breach of fundamental human rights.

The demand for N900 million in compensation by Muhammad Bello against the Kano police and the Attorney-General underscores the potential for substantial financial penalties when state actors are found to have violated citizens' rights through unlawful detention. This legal challenge, spearheaded by Usman Fari, could serve as a powerful reminder of the need for adherence to legal protocols and timely judicial processes in Nigeria.

This case highlights the potential for substantial damages claims against state actors for unlawful detention in Nigeria, particularly where due process is severely violated over extended periods. Lawyers should advise clients on their rights regarding detention limits and the avenues for seeking redress, including significant compensation, for human rights abuses by law enforcement.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust