An Anambra State High Court in Onitsha has ordered the Nigeria Police to pay ₦5 million in damages to Mr. Friday Onyeobi, a panel beater, for wrongful arrest, detention, and torture.
The court, presided over by Justice S. N. Odili, also restrained the police from further arrest, harassment, or intimidation of Mr. Onyeobi.
The case was brought to court by Onyeobi’s lawyer, Callistus Mmagu, who sought damages for his client’s suffering.
According to report, the issue began when Onyeobi’s friend, Okwudili Esiobi, asked him to sell a Rav4 car. However, the car, along with others, was stolen on June 13, 2023. Dissatisfied with the police response, Esiobi reported the matter to the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
Report has it that at the SPACS office, Onyeobi endured severe torture, including being tied up, hung face down, and subjected to heavy weights, to force a confession. His lawyer secured his bail and filed a Fundamental Rights application seeking ₦25 million in damages.
Delivering the judgment on June 5, 2024, Justice Odili criticized the police’s illegal actions and Esiobi’s escalation of the case. He condemned the unjust detention and torture, emphasizing that such actions are unjustifiable.
The judgment is seen as a deterrent to law enforcement officers who might abuse their power. Onyeobi’s lawyer praised the judiciary and Justice Odili for their courage in delivering this significant verdict.
