Detained IPOB-linked woman freed, gets N50 million compensation
A Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Gudu Judicial Division, Abuja, has set free a woman the Nigeria Police accused of being a member of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The woman, Ngozi Umeadi has been detained, since February 2021.
Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, delivering judgement in the fundamental rights suit, faulted Umeadi’s continued detention, her illegal arrest, and torture.
The judge ordered her release and awarded N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira Only) compensation to her. She is also to receive apology from the Police, to be publicized in two national dailies.
Umeadi was among suspected IPOB members arrested by the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Unit, then led by suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Abba Kyari
Ejiofor Ifeanyi, her counsel, said, “We shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that the terms of this judgment are carried out to the letter.
“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.
“We are not relenting. We shall give further update on the outcome of today’s visit to our indefatigable client-Mazi Nnamdi Kanu once the visit is concluded. The future is very bright indeed.