Court Orders Nigerian Police To Pay N5Million For Unlawful Detention Of Union Leader

Court Orders Nigerian Police To Pay N5Million For Unlawful Detention Of Ukana Town Union Leader

Beyond awarding damages, the court also issued an injunction restraining the police and other parties from further intimidating, harassing, or detaining Aneke.

The Enugu High Court has ordered the Inspector-General of Police to pay N5 million in damages to Pastor Francis Aneke, President-General of Ukana Town Union in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, for his unlawful detention for four days without a court order.

Justice Okey Anike, who delivered the judgment, ruled that the police violated Aneke’s fundamental human rights.

In Suit No. AHW/46M/24, filed by Aneke to enforce his fundamental rights, the court held that his detention exceeded the period permitted by law and therefore amounted to a breach of his constitutional rights.

Beyond awarding damages, the court also issued an injunction restraining the police and other parties from further intimidating, harassing, or detaining Aneke.

Justice Anike emphasised that the court was handling a civil matter, not a criminal proceeding.

“I granted him bail as a result of this action. I’m not presiding over criminal procedure. What I’m presiding is substantial case brought before me,” said Justice Anike.

The court’s decision is a significant setback for the police.

The police arrested Aneke for allegedly promoting communal conflict by disobeying a lawful order issued by the Enugu State Government through the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs on January 13, 2025.

The order had dissolved the former Town Union executives and barred him from performing executive functions in Ukana Community to prevent the crisis from escalating further.

The police said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 185 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

The case highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies respecting the rights of citizens and adhering to the law.

The N5 million awarded to Aneke underscores the consequences of unlawful detention and reinforces the need for the police to uphold the fundamental rights of individuals.