A Federal High Court in Abakaliki, has delivered a landmark judgment in favour of a legal practitioner, Sampson Ekigbo, awarding him ₦22 million in damages and costs against the Nigerian Correctional Service and four other respondents.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Hillary Oshomah in suit number FHC/AI/FHR/11/2025, arose from a fundamental rights enforcement action filed by Mr. Ekigbo on January 30, 2025.
The applicant was brutally assaulted on November 26, 2024, at Harriz Filling Station, Abakaliki, by two men identified as Mr. Ifeanyi Nwovu and Mr. Ogwuma Chidi, officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The lawyer, who is also a presiding officer in the customary court filed a suit against the the service, its comptroller general and the comptroller in charge of the Ebonyi State Command of the service and the two officers.
In his ruling, Justice Oshomah held that the assault amounted to a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights, particularly his right to dignity of person as enshrined under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He further issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further torturing, intimidating, or molesting the applicant without lawful cause.
The judge also ordered the respondents to tender an unreserved apology to the applicant, to be published in two national dailies within 14 days.
Justice Oshomah further awarded ₦20 million as compensation for the assault and the pain suffered by the applicant.
In addition, the court awarded an additional ₦2 million to cover costs and expenses incurred in the prosecution of the case by the applicants.
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The court imposed a 10% per annum post-judgment interest on the cumulative judgment sum should the respondents fail to pay within 14 days.
Neither the applicant nor the respondents were physically present in court during the judgment.
Their lawyers C.C. Aliugo, for the applicant, and Samuel Nwalieze, for the respondents were however in court.
Mr Aliugo described the ruling as a bold step in reinforcing the sanctity of fundamental human rights and sending a strong signal against abuse of power by security agencies.
The applicant, Mr Ekigbo in an interview on Friday expressed relief at the judgement.
Recounting his ordeal, Ekibu said the incident occurred on November 24, 2024, after a tricycle rammed into his vehicle at Harriz Filling Station Abakaliki where he had gone for repairs.
He noted that he was attacked by two armed officers of the Correctional Service who slapped and dragged him, threatening to shoot him despite his protests that he was a judicial officer.
The assault, he said, left him with a severe ear injury that required hospitalization.
He further noted that all efforts by him, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and civil society groups to seek redress from the authorities were ignored, prompting his decision to go to court.
“I followed the path of peace, but they neglected every intervention. The judgment today is justice. I will ensure the judgment is enforced to the letter,” Ekibu stated.
He emphasized that the victory was not only personal but also a step toward upholding the dignity of judicial officers and the protection of citizens’ rights.
