Correspondent: Uchendu Ejiowhor
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Okrika has issued a perpetual injunction restraining the Nigeria Police Force, its officers, agents and representatives from harassing, intimidating, threatening or arresting human rights activist and freedom fighter, General Gabriel Asabuja.
The court, presided over by Justice Lemea Ngbor-Abina, ruled that the police acted unlawfully by declaring Asabuja wanted without first obtaining the leave of the court, describing the action as a violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
General Asabuja was declared wanted by the police following a live television interview in which he allegedly made statements the police claimed were capable of inciting the public.
Justice Ngbor-Abina also held that the repeated threats of arrest, intimidation and harassment by the police, based solely on allegations of incitement without lawful or verifiable grounds, amounted to a breach of the applicant’s constitutional rights.
The court awarded ₦5 million in general and exemplary damages against the Nigeria Police in favour of Asabuja for the harassment and threats of arrest.
In addition, the court ordered the respondents to publish a letter of apology to General Gabriel Asabuja in at least two national newspapers.
