Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner in Imo State, has taken legal action against the Nigerian Police Force, alleging gross violations of his fundamental human rights. The lawsuit, filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks N5 million in damages and several other legal remedies.

Filed under Suit No. FHC/ABI/CS/1809/2024, the case calls for a perpetual injunction to restrain the police from further actions including arrest, detention, intimidation, and harassment of Dr. Ihekweme over what he describes as baseless allegations. The plaintiff also demands immediate compliance with constitutional provisions regarding his detention.

Dr. Ihekweme’s lawsuit contends that his arrest on November 28 in Abuja, executed in a manner he described as “Gestapo-style” by officers from Imo State, constitutes a grave infringement of his rights. He argues that his continued detention violates Sections 35(4) and (5) as well as 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to liberty, fair trial, and freedom from arbitrary actions.

In addition to seeking bail or proper legal charges, Ihekweme has called for a court declaration that the denial of access to his legal team since his arrest further infringes on his rights. The suit also requests damages of N5 million for alleged harassment, assault, and illegal detention.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by an affidavit filed by Dr. Ihekweme’s wife, Mrs. Excel Fabian. In her statement, she revealed that the former commissioner suffers from a severe health condition requiring immediate medical attention. She warned that his continued detention could exacerbate his condition, posing a significant risk to his life.

“The applicant is now suffering double jeopardy of unlawful detention and an imminent health risk that could endanger his life,” Mrs. Ihekweme stated, emphasizing that constitutional provisions mandate either administrative bail or prompt arraignment in court within two days of an arrest.

She further described the police’s actions as “arbitrary, illegal, unconstitutional, harsh, oppressive, and void,” urging the court to hold the respondents accountable.