The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Litigation Committee has instituted a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The suit, filed on behalf of Ernest Chukwuemeka Okpaka, stems from claims of unlawful arrest, detention, intimidation, and inhuman treatment by officers of the Police Cyber Crime Center, Abuja.
According to court documents pending before Court 11, the NBA Litigation Committee is seeking multiple declarations and orders from the court, including:
A Declaration that the arrest, detention, and harassment of Mr. Okpaka by officers of the Nigerian Police on December 19, 2024, without any lawful justification, constitutes a gross violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
A Declaration that the assault and molestation of the applicant by officers of the 4th and 5th Respondents (Police and related parties) amount to an illegal and unconstitutional act.
An Order declaring certain officers (specifically the 6th, 7th, and 8th Respondents) unfit to hold any public office in Nigeria, calling for their dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force.
An Order directing the respondents to pay N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) in damages to Mr. Okpaka for unlawful arrest, assault, molestation, and psychological trauma.
An Order compelling the respondents to issue a written, unreserved apology to Mr. Okpaka, published in two widely circulated national newspapers.
An Order of Perpetual Injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, and privies from further harassment, intimidation, or detention of the applicant.
General Damages amounting to N100,000,000 (One Hundred Million Naira) jointly and severally against the respondents.
The suit is fixed for the 7th day of May, 2025 before Hon. Justice Suleiman Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja for hearing.
