By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Senior Correspondent
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris on Monday awarded the sum of N2 million against the Nigeria Police over the unlawful detention of one Okwuchukwu Obiechina, a brother-in-law of suspected kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, alongside his wife, Nzube.
The judge awarded the sum against the police, while delivering judgment in the fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted against the Police by Obiechina and his wife.
Specifically, Justice Idris held that Obiechina’s arrest and detention were unconstitutional, adding that the remand order which the police claimed to have obtained from a magistrates’ court was invalid.
While issuing an order that the police should effect the release of Obiechina and his wife immediately without conditions, the court directed that alternatively, the duo be charged to court if any case has been established against them.
Justice Idris further directed the Nigeria Police to tender public apology to Obiechina and his wife and that same should be published in two national dailies.
In the fundamental rights suit respondents in the action are the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), the Nigeria Police and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
