Court Awards N1 Million Damages Against Police Over Unlawful Arrest of Cameroonian
A High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has delivered a significant judgment against the Nigeria Police Force, ordering it to pay N1 million in damages to a Cameroonian youth leader, Manghe Romeo Etta. The court ruled that his arrest and detention were unlawful and lacked evidential backing.
Details of the Case and Judgment
In the case with suit number HC/146F/2025, the presiding judge, Justice Theresa Agom, held that Etta, who serves as a youth senator representing Manyu Division in Cameroon, was wrongfully arrested by the police. The arrest was based on allegations of a stolen vehicle, which the court found to be unsubstantiated.
Justice Agom emphasized that the respondents failed to justify both the arrest and the continued detention of Etta. She described their actions as unlawful and without proper evidence, leading to the award of damages. Although Etta had sought N200 million in compensation, the court awarded N1 million, taking into account the specific circumstances of the case.
Release of Vehicle and Legal Consequences
The court further directed the immediate release of Etta's vehicle, a BMW X1 with registration number MRA 905 AL and chassis number WBAVL1C57CVR78137, which had been seized during the disputed arrest. This order underscores the court's stance on protecting property rights in such matters.
Counsel to the applicant, Armstrong Achu, spoke to journalists after the ruling, stating that his client successfully established ownership of the vehicle through verifiable documents. In contrast, the police were unable to substantiate their claims. Achu warned that failure by the police to comply with the court's orders could result in legal consequences, including criminal contempt proceedings.
Response from the Police and Broader Implications
Counsel to the respondents, Nyakno Usoroh, indicated that he would communicate the outcome of the judgment to his client. This case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and the importance of judicial oversight in safeguarding individual rights against unlawful actions.
The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal recourse available to victims of wrongful arrests and the need for law enforcement agencies to adhere to due process. It also reflects the judiciary's role in upholding justice and accountability within the security sector.
