Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner for Foreign and International Affairs in Imo State, has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian Police over his arrest and detention without trial. Ihekweme was arrested on November 28 near his residence in Abuja and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri, where he has been held since.
In a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja, Ihekweme’s lawyer, Kingdom Okere, is seeking an order for his immediate release or for him to be granted bail, as stipulated under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution. The suit also demands ₦5 million in damages for alleged harassment, assault, and unlawful detention by the Imo State Police Command.
Excel Ihekweme, the ex-commissioner’s wife, recounted the arrest, describing it as akin to a “kidnap.” She noted that her husband’s recent criticism of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration likely played a role in the arrest, following his fallout with the governor, which led to his removal from office.
Ihekweme’s case underscores growing concerns over arbitrary arrests and political persecution in Nigeria, with civil rights advocates urging adherence to constitutional protections.
