Victim sues IGP, demands N50m for illegal detention
The arrest and detention of a human rights activist, Bonny Okonkwo, who has been held by the police in Anambra State for 16 days, has sparked controversy at a Federal High Court in Awka.
Consequently, the South Africa-based social critic has taken the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and oil merchant, Emeka Offor, as well as five others to court over alleged unlawful arrest and detention. He demanded a N50 million fine from the police, as compensation for his unlawful detention.
He was said to have been arrested in his Oraifite Community and clamped into detention by police operatives since January 3, 2024, for allegedly criticising Offor in a media publication. The development has thrown the community into serious tension and apprehension.
According to an originating motion on notice served on the IGP at the Force Headquarters, which was obtained by journalists, yesterday, in Abuja, the activist asked the court to grant an order of perpetual injunction restraining the police and its agents from further arresting, detaining or infringing on his personal liberty.
Other defendants in the suit are Emeka Offor, Area Commander, Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in Zone 13 and Commissioner of Police in charge of Cyber Crimes Bureau.
Okonkwo, in the suit marked FHC/AWK/CS/02/2024, asked the court to order his immediate release from police custody or, in the alternative, cause police to produce him in court for any committed offence.
