In a landmark judgment, a High Court of Justice in Ozoro, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and its officers to pay N300 million in damages for the unlawful arrest, harassment, and detention of lawyer Barrister Itedjere Jude. The ruling, delivered by Justice E.O. Odebala on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, also awarded the lawyer an additional N10 million for litigation costs, sending a strong message on the protection of fundamental rights.
The case, filed under Suit No: HCZ/M/43/2025, arose after Barrister Jude was arrested and detained at Kwale Police Station between September 29 and 30, 2025, following a dispute with several officers at the Kwale Division. Jude’s legal team argued that his detention violated Sections 33, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
Justice Odebala condemned the police’s actions as unconstitutional, ruling that the lawyer’s rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and dignity were grossly violated. “The arrest and detention of the Applicant… to detain the Applicant at Kwale Police Station… without any justification amounts to an infraction of the liberty and freedom of movement of the Applicant and same is wrongful, unconstitutional, ultra vires and of no moment whatsoever,” the judge stated.
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The court further struck out all criminal charges against Barrister Jude, issuing a perpetual injunction restraining the police from harassing, intimidating, or detaining him in connection with the matter. Justice Odebala also dismissed last-minute applications by the police to halt the judgment, describing such attempts as acts of “brigandage and lawlessness.”
The ruling has been hailed as a historic victory for the enforcement of fundamental rights in Nigeria, reinforcing that law enforcement agencies must operate within constitutional boundaries. Barrister Jude’s legal team, led by Chief K.O. Uwubiti (SAN), welcomed the judgment, emphasizing that it underscores accountability and respect for the rule of law.
This decision is expected to set a precedent for cases involving unlawful arrests and police misconduct, highlighting the judiciary’s role in protecting citizens against abuse by state authorities.
