Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of the Federal High Court, Gudu Abuja has ordered the Inspector General of Police to release Mrs. Ngozi Umeadi, detained since February for being a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Adebiyi declared Ngozi Umeadi’s arrest and continued detention by the Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Unit, hitherto led by Abba Kyari, as illegal, and a gross violation of her fundamental Human Rights.
The Court further directed for her immediate and unconditional release from custody, and consequently awarded exemplary and aggravated damages of N50 million against the Police as reparation.
The Court further directed in her Judgement that the Police should tender an unreserved apology to Mrs Ngozi Umeadi, which apology will be published in two National Dailies.
Justice Adebiyi gave the ruling in a fundamental rights suit filed by Umeadi’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
The suit was filed to challenge her illegal arrest, torture and continued detention.
“We SHALL leave no stone unturned to ensure that the terms of this judgment is carried out to the letter”, said Ejiofor, who made known the ruling in a statement..
“We shall also be speedily following up on prompt compliance with these terms of judgment, while other pending applications affecting others still in this category are being addressed in Court.
” Do not lose hope. However, be assured that justice can only be delayed but not denied. All persons illegally arrested and still being detained by the lawless Nigerian Security Agencies shall get justice”, he said.
