In a legal battle for justice, Ernest Igbighogho Esq, a prominent human rights lawyer based in Udu, has taken legal action against the Inspector General of Police and five others. The lawsuit, filed in the Udu High Court, addresses the alleged illegal arrest and detention of Igbighogho’s client, William Okoro. The lawyer is seeking N10 million in damages for his client.
According to Igbighogho, the legal action was prompted by the unwarranted arrest and detention of William Okoro in connection with a civil matter. The lawsuit, officially identified as Suit No; OUHC/FHR/158/2023, lists William Okoro as the applicant and Chief Luke Djebah, Mr Emmanuel, Inspector Olokpa, the Area Commander of the Burutu Area Command, AIG Zone 5, and the Inspector General of Police as the 1st to 6th respondents respectively.
In the lawsuit, Igbighogho is seeking several orders from the court. Firstly, he demands a declaration that the arrest of William Okoro on June 29, 2023, by the 3rd to 6th respondents, allegedly at the instigation of the 1st and 2nd respondents, was illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of his client’s constitutional rights to freedom of movement and dignity as a human being.
Furthermore, the lawyer is requesting an order from the honorable court to restrain the 3rd to 6th respondents from any further arrest or summoning of William Okoro based on false complaints made by the 1st and 2nd respondents.
Additionally, Igbighogho is seeking an order compelling the 1st and 2nd respondents to issue a public apology, to be published in two national newspapers, for infringing upon the fundamental rights of William Okoro, specifically his right to freedom of movement and dignity as a human being.
Finally, the lawyer is seeking N10,000,000.00 (Ten million naira) as compensation from all the respondents, jointly and severally, for the violation of his client’s fundamental rights as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Igbighogho firmly maintains that the fundamental rights of his client have been grossly violated and calls upon the court to deliver justice in this matter. The case awaits further proceedings as the court evaluates the claims made by the plaintiff and the responses from the defendants.
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