Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner in Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, has instituted legal action against the Nigerian Police Force and the Imo State Commissioner of Police at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding N5 million in damages.
Ihekweme’s lawsuit, tagged FHC/ABI/CS/1809/2024, centers on alleged gross violations of his fundamental human rights, citing unlawful arrest and detention by the Police in Imo State.
Among his requests is a perpetual injunction restraining the Police from engaging in further acts of arrest, detention, intimidation, threats, assault, or harassment based on unsubstantiated claims, which he argues infringe on his constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
Ihekweme is also seeking a court order mandating his immediate release or granting him bail in line with Sections 35(4) and (5) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, pending any subsequent investigations or charges.
In his filing, Ihekweme asserts that his arrest on November 28 in Abuja—carried out in an intimidating and harassing manner by Imo State Police officers—amounts to a breach of his fundamental rights. He further alleges that he was assaulted during the process and that his ongoing detention continues to violate these rights.
Additionally, he accuses the Police of denying him access to his legal team since his arrest and subsequent transfer from Abuja to Owerri, which he claims is yet another violation of his fundamental human rights.
Ihekweme urges the court to intervene and uphold his rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
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