By BANNERNEWS Reporter
A Cameroonian youth senator representing Manyu Division in the Cameroonian parliament, Manghe Romeo Etta, has secured judgment against the Nigeria Police Force at the Calabar High Court over alleged unlawful arrest and detention.
Delivering judgment in Suit No: HC/146F/2025, Hon. Justice Theresa Agom held that the detention of the lawmaker was unlawful and ordered the police to pay him N1 million in damages.
The court also directed the immediate release of his vehicle, a BMW X1 with registration number MRA 905 AL and chassis number WBAVL1C57CVR78137, which had been seized by the police during the incident.
The case stemmed from his arrest in Ikom, Ikom, over allegations of a stolen vehicle. The court, however, found that the police failed to substantiate their claims with any credible evidence.
Counsel to the applicant, Armstrong Takim Achu of Centurion Chambers Calabar, said the applicant successfully proved ownership of the vehicle through verifiable documents, while the respondents failed to tender any supporting evidence.
He further argued that the defence offered by the police was not backed by proof, adding that the applicant’s case was clearly established before the court.
The court awarded N1 million in damages to the applicant, despite an initial claim of N200 million, noting that the amount reflected the circumstances and inconvenience suffered during the ordeal.
Counsel to the respondents, Nyakno Usen Usoroh, said he would convey the court’s decision to the relevant authorities for necessary action in compliance with the judgment.
