A Delta High Court says unlawful arrest has a price — and the police must pay it.
A Delta State High Court sitting in Ozoro has fined the Nigeria Police Force and its officers ₦310 million for the unlawful arrest and one-day detention of a lawyer, Otedjere Jude.
In a strongly worded judgment, Justice E.O. Odebala awarded ₦300 million in damages for the illegal detention between Sept. 29 and 30, 2025, plus ₦10 million as litigation costs. The judge ruled that the police acted without justification and violated the lawyer’s fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement.
The court noted that the police failed to file any counter-affidavit, meaning the applicant’s facts were deemed admitted. Justice Odebala also dismissed last-minute attempts to halt judgment, describing them as “lawless,” and struck out related criminal charges against the lawyer.
Beyond the fine, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the police from further harassment or intimidation over the matter. Legal observers say the ruling sends a clear message: rights violations will attract real consequences.
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