Lawyer Sues Nigerian Police, AGF Over Alleged Unlawful Detention During Discharge Of Professional Duties

Uchenna Amulu, a legal practitioner based in Abuja, has taken a stand against the Nigerian Police Force, Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 7, Wuse Abuja, Mr. Nyakor (former DCO1, Wuse Police Station), and the Attorney-General of the Federation in a fundamental human rights case.

Amulu’s case revolves around the alleged unlawful detention of himself and his colleague, Chima Eloagu, while they were discharging their professional duties to a client held in custody at the Wuse Police Station. The application seeks declarations from the court regarding the violation of their rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the legal battle with the SUIT NO:.FHC/ABJ/CS/ 710/ 2024, Amulu, challenges the authority of security agencies to detain legal practitioners involved in civil matters, emphasizing that such actions fall outside their prescribed functions. Amulu’s plea includes demands for immediate release, general damages, and a directive for upholding constitutional provisions to prevent abuses of power by government agencies.

Grounds for the relief sought are based on the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009, empowering Amulu to seek redress for the breach of his fundamental rights. The case underscores the importance of upholding constitutional guarantees of liberty and dignity, highlighting the need for adherence to the rule of law in the current national context.

The Plaintiff further seeks the immediate release of the Applicant from the unlawful custody of the 3rd Respondent which has held him in detention until he pays the sum of N100, 000, 000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira only).

“N100, 000, 000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira only) jointly and severally in general damages against the Respondents for their unconscionable and wanton breach of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to liberty over obvious civil cause of action.

“An order of this Honourable Court directing the 4th Respondent, being the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, to ensure that all the agencies of government, including the 1st to 4th Respondents strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and eschew flagrant abuses of their offices.”

Amulu’s legal pursuit aims to uphold the principles of civil liberty and human dignity, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments, signaling a pivotal moment in the protection of fundamental rights within the legal framework of the country.