Minna, Nigeria - Sallafiyya, an Islamic sect in Niger State has been awarded a N22m compensation as damages against the Bida Emirate Council by the Federal High Court in Minna.
The ruling of the court is sequel to a suit which was filled by members of the sect on the alleged attack by persons believed to be from the emirate council in Bida in April 2009. The sect had asked the court to grant it compensation for what it described as the wanton destruction of property and illegal detention of members of the sect in a cell not recognized by law.
The case which was presided over by Justice Sabiu Yahuza, ordered the Bida Emirate Council to pay N22m to the sect. Trouble started between the emirate council and the Sallafyya sect after a disagreement on its mode of worship.
The judge in delivering his judgement, directed that N2m should be paid to members of the sect for damages and that N20m should be paid as compensation for the destruction of their property.
Justice Yahuza maintained that the detention cell, where members of the Islamic sect were detained in Bida was illegal, adding that it was not recognised by law. Counsel to the Bida Emirate Council, Mohammed Rabiu, who was represented by Onoche Odu, indicated a possible appeal against the ruling after due consultations with the emirate council.