Unlawful detention: Court fines police N50m over arrest of ex-agitator, online publisher
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A High Court sitting in Yenagoa has slammed a N50 million fine on the Forensic Team of the Nigerian Police as compensation for general damages to Mr. Charles Korobo James over his “unreasonable, illegal confinement and unconstitutional house arrest’’ at his residence, Opposite Old Commissioner’s Quarters, Opolo, Yenagoa.
Justice Ebiyon Duke Charlie, gave the order in suit No. BYHC/YHC/FR/47/2024, filed by Mr. Charles Korobo James (claimant) against the Attorney General of the Federation, Inspector General of Police, NPF National Cyber Crime Center, Mr. Simiat Suleiman of NPF Forensic Team, CSP. B. A. Abdullahi and Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd), former Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty program (PAP) as respondents.
The court ordered the payment of the N50 million should be paid to the claimant by the 4th and 5th respondents jointly and severally for breaching the applicant’s fundamental rights contained in sections 34(1) (a) and (b), 35(1), 37 and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Articles 6 and 7(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
According to the judge, the arrest violates the applicant’s right to dignity of his human person and right to personal liberty protected by Sections (34) (1)(a) and (b), and 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
