Ex-Ondo lawmaker sues police chief over alleged unlawful arrest
Ayodeji Arowele, a former Ondo State lawmaker, has taken legal action against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force. He claims he was unlawfully arrested just hours before the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary election on May 16, 2026. Through his counsel, Chief Kunle Ijalana, he is seeking N50 million in damages for the alleged violation of his rights. The suit also requests a perpetual injunction to prevent further police action against him regarding the incident.
Key takeaways
- Ayodeji Arowele alleges he was arrested a few hours before the APC primary election on May 16, 2026, violating his fundamental rights.
- He is seeking N50 million in damages and a declaration that the police invasion of his hotel room was illegal.
- The suit names the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Ebito Ephraim, CSP Hilary Mazi, and Mr Yusuf Sanya Isiaka as respondents.
- Arowele claims he was rough-handled during the arrest, and his security detail from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was assaulted.
- He was released on bail after making a statement and directed to report to the police office in Abuja after the primary election.
