The Federal High Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has delivered a landmark judgment against the Nigeria Police Force over the unlawful arrest and detention of a Nigerian event promoter, Jude Henry Osagbai. The ruling, issued on July 18, 2025, by Hon. Justice H.I.O. Oshomah, emphasized the constitutional boundaries of police authority in civil matters and reinforced the judiciary’s commitment to upholding citizens’ fundamental rights.

In suit number FHC/L/CS/1568/2024, Osagbai, represented by his lawyer, Ayi-Ekpenyong Imah, sued the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, Ugochukwu Jude Nwosu (popularly known as Ugobeatz Empire), and Destiny Ajiboye. He alleged that he was wrongfully arrested, detained, and extorted in relation to a failed contractual agreement involving popular Nigerian artist Douglas Jack Agu, better known as Runtown.

The conflict stemmed from a March 6, 2024 agreement for Runtown to perform at the “Runtown Live in Turkey 2024” concert scheduled for April 14, 2024, in Istanbul. After Nwosu paid 70 percent of the agreed fee, the concert was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Unsatisfied, Nwosu lodged petitions with police units in Lagos and Abakaliki, which led to Osagbai’s arrests on May 10 and again from June 6 to 10, 2024.

Osagbai claimed he was coerced into paying ₦3.6 million and ₦4 million to Nwosu under duress, in addition to ₦950,000 for bail, and also reported the loss of personal items. His lawyer argued that the case was a civil disagreement and cited Supreme Court judgments prohibiting police involvement in debt recovery or enforcement of private contracts.

Justice Oshomah, in proceedings held on July 8, ruled—despite the absence of all parties—that Osagbai’s constitutional rights under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution were violated. The judge also cited Articles 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The court issued the following directives:

• Unlawful Detention Declared: The arrests and detentions of Osagbai on May 10 and from June 6 to 10, 2024, were ruled unlawful, unconstitutional, and a breach of his fundamental rights.

• Restraint on Further Arrests: Nwosu and his agents were barred from initiating any further arrests or detentions related to the civil dispute.

• Damages Awarded: The court awarded ₦100 million in damages jointly and severally against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General, and Nwosu for unlawful arrest, detention, and extortion.

• Public Apology Ordered: The Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General, and Nwosu were directed to publish a public apology in two widely circulated national newspapers.

• Legal Costs Granted: An additional ₦5 million in legal costs was awarded in favour of Osagbai.

The judgment also imposed a 10% post-judgment interest, though part of the order was unclear due to formatting issues in the court document.

Reacting to the decision, Osagbai’s counsel, Ayi-Ekpenyong Imah, described the judgment as sound and consistent with established legal principles. He lauded the court for reaffirming its role as a defender of the oppressed and a bastion for ordinary Nigerians.

He also criticized the continued rise in human rights abuses across the country, despite judicial efforts to curb police excesses. He urged officers of the Nigeria Police Force to carefully review petitions before carrying out arrests and to refrain from interfering in civil disputes, even if dressed in criminal undertones by complainants.