In a suit filed by the Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative (DRLI) and marked FHC/ASB/CS/140/2020 to enforce the digital right to freedom of expression and personal liberty of the videographer-Nicholas Makolomi, DRLI had asked the court to declare the arrest and detention of Nicholas Makolomi which was based on exercise of his right to freedom of expression as unlawful.
Responding through his counsel, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State who was the Respondent in the suit had filed a counter affidavit stating that Mr. Makolomi was not arrested and detained for more than 24 hours but failed to adduce cogent evidence showing date of arrest as required by law. It will be recalled that Mr. Nicholas Makolomi was arrested on Monday 5th October 2020 and detained till Thursday 8th October 2020 before he was arraigned.
In its judgment, the court per Justice Nnamdi Dimgba having heard counsel representing the parties, ruled that the arrest and detention of Nicholas Makolomi by the officers of the respondent are unlawful. The presiding judge consequently awarded damages of Two Hundred Thousand Naira only in favour of the videographer.
Responding through his counsel, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State who was the Respondent in the suit had filed a counter affidavit stating that Mr. Makolomi was not arrested and detained for more than 24 hours but failed to adduce cogent evidence showing date of arrest as required by law. It will be recalled that Mr. Nicholas Makolomi was arrested on Monday 5th October 2020 and detained till Thursday 8th October 2020 before he was arraigned.
In its judgment, the court per Justice Nnamdi Dimgba having heard counsel representing the parties, ruled that the arrest and detention of Nicholas Makolomi by the officers of the respondent are unlawful. The presiding judge consequently awarded damages of Two Hundred Thousand Naira only in favour of the videographer.
SMH
ReplyDeleteWill they pay the damages? Another story for another day. Country that does not respect court judgements is... . Instead they pay the damages, they will hunt him down.
ReplyDeleteThis is where you will see their muscle. Good thing the judge saw through their gra gra.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for the public trial of the akwuzu SARS guys, officer Nwafor and others clearly accused of wickedness towards their fellow man simply because they are in uniform.
Only 200k? Na wah!!
ReplyDeleteIf I hear say they pay the 200k sef
DeleteThere was a country
ReplyDeleteThey must pay o
ReplyDelete