Court Declares El Rufai's Licensing Of Churches Null And Void

A Kaduna State High Court has ruled that the plan by the Kaduna State government to issue licences to the pastors of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN using the Religious Regulatory Bill is a gross violation of their fundamental human rights, which guarantees freedom of association and freedom of religion. Thus, inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). Therefore it is hereby declared illegal.

The judge, Hon Justice D. Gwadah further added that the actions of the Kaduna State House of Assembly in proceeding to pass the bill into law despite the pending court proceedings and the subsisting court injunction restraining the action, "is an affront to this honourable court".

This was declared on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 in a ruling on the case instituted by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Kaduna chapter since 2016 against Kaduna State Governor (Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai), Kaduna State House of Assembly and the Attorney General of Kaduna State over the Kaduna State Religious Regulatory Bill.

The lawyers representing the respondents, in reaction to the judgment said that their clients will go higher, meaning Gov El-Rufai and the Kaduna State House of Assembly will appeal the ruling.

But Barr S. A. Akani (lead counsel to PFN) who briefly addressed the press after the ruling, expressed satisfaction in the judgment on behalf of his client, the PFN.

The Kaduna State PFN that instituted the case is a registered trustees body. Thus, PFN is an entity that has the power to sue and be sued. However, the power is limited to act on behalf of the members of the body. Hence, the court ruling is applicable to the members of PFN. Though by implication, other Christians and Pastors can benefit indirectly from the ruling.