The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay N12 million in damages to THE WHISTLER reporter, Kasarahchi Aniagolu, for her illegal arrest and detention in 2024.
A statement from THE WHISTLER Managing Editor, Tajudeen Suleiman, said the court ruled on Wednesday that the police violated Ms Aniagolu's rights by arresting, assaulting, and detaining her for about eight hours in Abuja.
In his judgement, Judge Bello Kawu said the police "subjected the applicant to inhuman and degrading treatment" against section 34(1)(a) and (b) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The judge also stated that Ms Aniagolu's arrest and detention in Guzape District of Abuja by the police “infringed on the Applicant’s right to personal liberty, in contravention” of Section 35(1) of the Constitution.
Judge Kawu ordered the police to pay the reporter "N10 million as damages for the infringement on her fundamental rights." He also instructed them to pay her "N2 million to cover the cost of litigation."
Mr Suleiman reminded that the police arrested Ms Aniagolu on 21 February 2024 while she was covering a police operation against alleged illegal bureau de change operators in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
He said the reporter identified herself as a journalist, but police officers reportedly assaulted her, seized her phone and camera, and detained her at the Anti-Violence Crime Unit in Guzape with other traders.
The managing editor added that Ms Aniagolu accused the police of invading her privacy by taking her phone and deleting photos from it. The police were also said to have treated her poorly during her detention.
According to Mr Suleiman, the lawsuit was filed on 25 October 2024 against the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force, seeking N100 million in damages.
He mentioned that the suit was filed on behalf of the reporter by Adekunle Kosoko of Seasons Law Firm, Abuja.
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