Lawyer Demands N50 Million Compensation and Written Apology Over Unlawful Arrest and Harassment by Nigerian Police Chief, Stanbic Bank, and Others.

Nigerian Lawyer Seeks N50 Million in Damages and Apology from Police Chief, Stanbic Bank Over Alleged Unlawful Arrest and Harassment.

A lawsuit filed at the Federal Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, seeks N50 million in damages from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, two policemen, and Stanbic IBTC Plc for alleged human rights violations. The plaintiffs, including Eugene Okwudili Okonkwo and family members, claim unlawful arrest, detention, and harassment.

Allegations Against Respondents:

– Unlawful Arrest: Chukwudi Emmanuel Okonkwo, the 4th applicant, alleges he was intercepted by unknown men on August 6, 2024, and taken to Stanbic IBTC Plc’s Operational Headquarters.
– Harassment and Intimidation: Okonkwo claims he was accused of stealing, detained, and forced to transfer money from his bank accounts.
– Police Involvement: The police allegedly took Okonkwo’s statement under duress and initially refused to release him despite meeting bail conditions.

Reliefs Sought:

– Declaration of Unconstitutionality: A declaration that the arrest and detention were unconstitutional and breached the applicants’ fundamental rights.
– Perpetual Injunction: An order restraining the respondents from further harassment.
– Damages: N50 million in general damages for the alleged human rights violations.
– Written Apology: An order directing the respondents to issue a written apology.
– Retraction of Malicious Claims: An order directing Stanbic IBTC Plc to withdraw and retract malicious emails sent to financial institutions.

The applicants urge the court to protect them from further harassment and violations of their fundamental rights.