The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gudu, Abuja, has mandated the Inspector-General of Police to pay N50 million in damages to Prof Zainab Abiola, the widow of the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola.
The court found the police guilty of violating her fundamental rights by arresting and parading her while she was only in a nightgown.
Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, delivering the judgment, declared the detention of Prof Zainab Abiola without arraignment in court as a gross violation of her right to personal liberty.
The court also emphasized that arresting her in her nightgown without allowing her to dress decently was an infringement of her right to personal dignity.
The lawsuit (FCT/HC/CV/2431/2023) was filed by Abiola, who accused police officers of invading her Abuja residence in 2022, detaining her for three days without trial, and subjecting her to torture.
The court awarded N50 million in compensation against the first, second, and fourth respondents (Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force, and Engineer Ibrahim) jointly.
Furthermore, Justice Osho-Adebiyi ordered the respondents to issue a public apology to Prof Zainab Abiola in two national daily newspapers.
This directive aligns with Section 35(6) I of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The respondents, including Inspector Teju Moses and Engineer Ibrahim (son of former IGP Usman Alkali Baba), had denied knowing Abiola and insisted that the allegations were false.
The case originated from accusations that Abiola assaulted a female police officer, Inspector Teju Moses, along with her domestic staff, Rebecca Enechido, at her Garki residence on September 20, 2022.
The court’s ruling emphasizes the importance of respecting citizens’ rights and dignity, even in law enforcement actions.
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