The High Court of Akwa Ibom State, sitting in Uyo, has ordered a legal practitioner, Mrs. Sifon Akpaetor, alongside four others, to pay the sum of ₦2.2 million in damages for the infringement of Mr. Ekemini Akpanekpo’s fundamental human rights.
In delivering judgment in Suit No. HU/FHR.200/2023, Justice Edem Akpan held that Mr. Akpanekpo’s arrest and detention, which occurred between 4th and 16th June 2023, were illegal, unconstitutional, and arbitrary.
The court further declared null and void an undertaking allegedly signed by the applicant under duress, which prohibited him from accessing the property of his uncle, Mr. Iniobong Ubong Ntuk a subject of dispute.
Justice Akpan found that the applicant had been detained without being formally charged before any competent court of law, thereby violating his constitutional rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.
In addition, the court issued a restraining order against Mrs. Akpaetor, Inspector Ndifreke Edem, Superintendent Emmanuel, Superintendent Julian Igbudu, and the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, barring them from further summoning, threatening, or detaining Mr. Akpanekpo in connection with the disputed property.
The court directed Mrs. Akpaetor, Inspector Edem, and the Commissioner of Police to jointly pay ₦2.2 million in compensation to Mr. Akpanekpo. Costs of ₦200,000 were also awarded against all the defendants, excluding Lady Akon Ubong Ntuk, who was exonerated of any wrongdoing.