Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Abakaliki Division of the Federal High Court has delivered a landmark judgment in favour of legal practitioner, Sampson Imeze Ekigbo, awarding him ₦22 million in damages and costs against the Nigerian Correctional Service and four other respondents.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Hillary Oshomah in suit number FHC/AI/FHR/11/2025, arose from a fundamental rights enforcement action filed by Ekigbo on January 30, 2025.
Background
Ekigbo was brutally assaulted on November 26, 2024, at Harriz Filling Station, Abakaliki, by two officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, identified as Mr. Ifeanyi Nwovu and Mr. Ogwuma Chidi.
The lawyer, who also serves as a presiding officer in the Customary Court, sued the Service, its Comptroller General, the Comptroller in charge of Ebonyi Command, and the two officers involved.
Assault a gross rights violation
In his ruling, Justice Oshomah held that the beating amounted to a gross violation of Ekigbo’s fundamental human rights, particularly his right to dignity of person as guaranteed under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The beating of the applicant, who is a presiding officer of a Customary Court and legal practitioner, at Harriz Filling Station, Abakaliki, on November 26, 2024, without just cause by the 4th and 5th respondents, who were acting for the 1st to 3rd respondents, is a gross violation of his fundamental human rights to dignity of person, contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution,” the judge declared.
The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from torturing, intimidating, or molesting the applicant without lawful cause.
Public apology
The judge ordered the respondents to tender an unreserved apology to Ekigbo, to be published in two national newspapers within 14 days.
Compensation
Justice Oshomah awarded ₦20 million as compensation for the assault and the pain suffered by the applicant. An additional ₦2 million was awarded to cover costs and expenses incurred in prosecuting the case.
“₦20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) is hereby awarded against the respondents jointly and severally as compensation for the pains and torture meted on the applicant.
“₦2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) is further awarded for costs and expenses incidental to this action,” the judge ruled.”
Post-judgment interest
The court imposed a 10% per annum post-judgment interest on the cumulative sum should the respondents fail to pay within 14 days.
Neither the applicant nor the respondents were physically present during the judgment. Their lawyers—C.C. Aliugo for the applicant and Samuel Nwalieze for the respondents—were in court.
Mr. Aliugo described the ruling as a bold step in reinforcing the sanctity of fundamental human rights and sending a strong signal against abuse of power by security agencies.
Applicant reacts
Speaking in an interview on Friday, Ekigbo expressed relief at the judgment, recalling the incident that left him hospitalized.
He explained that the assault occurred after a tricycle rammed into his vehicle at Harriz Filling Station, Abakaliki, where he had gone for repairs. Despite identifying himself as a judicial officer, he was slapped, dragged, and threatened with a firearm by the two officers.
The attack left him with a severe ear injury. He noted that efforts by him, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society groups to seek redress from the authorities were ignored, prompting his court action.
“I followed the path of peace, but they neglected every intervention. The judgment today is justice. I will ensure it is enforced to the letter,” Ekigbo said.
He stressed that the victory was not only personal but also a step toward upholding the dignity of judicial officers and protecting citizens’ rights.
