A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has struck out all charges brought by the Nigeria Police Force against Prof. Zainab Duke-Abiola, widow of the late M.K.O. Abiola.
Delivering judgment, Justice E. Okpe condemned the actions of the police, describing them as inhuman, degrading, and a violation of the claimant’s fundamental rights. The court ruled that the treatment meted out to Duke-Abiola constituted a clear breach of her constitutional protections.
The judge awarded ₦100 million in damages against the police, alongside a former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, and four other defendants.
Duke-Abiola had approached the court over alleged harassment and what she described as a media trial following accusations that she assaulted a police orderly. Other defendants in the suit included Inspector Teju Moses and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Umar.
In her testimony, she firmly denied the allegations, insisting no such incident occurred. She stated that CCTV cameras in her residence could verify her claims and dismissed the accusation as fabricated.
According to her, she was not a suspect but a victim of a deliberate setup.
In his ruling, Justice Okpe characterized the police action as a calculated attempt to frame her, noting elements of political persecution. He described the incident as a forceful abduction and an unlawful detention that violated her dignity and liberty.
The court not only dismissed all charges but also ordered the police to issue a public apology in two national newspapers. Additionally, a perpetual injunction was granted, restraining the police from any further harassment or intimidation of Duke-Abiola.
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