Anambra businessman demands N20m compensation over unlawful arrest, detention

A businessman based in Awka, Anambra State, Tochukwu Nwokoye Nwosu, has dragged a senior police officer, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu, to court, alleging unlawful arrest and detention.

Nwosu, in a suit filed at the Awka High Court through his counsel, Joe O. Eze and Associates, is demanding N20 million as compensation for the violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty.

In the suit, Nwosu (the applicant) alleged that his arrest and detention were a clear breach of his fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

He further alleged that the respondent, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu, abused his powers, violating his rights without any lawful justification.

He also urged the court to declare the arrest and detention unlawful and pleaded that CSP Ifeanyi Iburu pay him N20 million as compensation for the damages suffered.

According to Joe O. Eze, his client (Nwosu) was arrested on September 4 at Kamali Phase III, behind Dubai Estate, Awka, at about 10:00 a.m. without any justifiable reason.

He further claimed that his client was subsequently detained inside the cell of the Police Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., further infringing on his rights.

He said that the case highlights concerns about police brutality and the need for law enforcement agencies to respect citizens’ fundamental rights, adding that the outcome will have significant implications for the protection of citizens’ rights and the accountability of law enforcement agencies in Anambra State.