Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE — A Calabar High Court has ordered the Nigerian Police to pay N1 million in damages to Manghe Romeo Etta, a youth senator from Cameroon representing Manyu Division, after ruling that his arrest and detention over allegations of a stolen vehicle were unlawful. The judgment, delivered by Justice Theresa Agom in case number HC/146F/2025, also mandated the immediate return of Etta’s BMW X1, which had been seized by police during the incident.
The court found that the arrest and detention lacked legal justification and violated Etta’s rights. The vehicle, with registration number MRA 905 AL and chassis number WBAVL1C57CVR78137, was confiscated without sufficient evidence to support claims that it was stolen. The judgment emphasized that Etta had presented valid ownership documents, while the police failed to provide any evidence substantiating their allegations.
Etta’s lawyer, Armstrong Takim Achu of Centurion Chambers in Calabar, explained that his client successfully demonstrated ownership of the vehicle through verifiable documents and that the police did not produce any proof to counter this claim. Achu highlighted that the unlawful actions of the police caused significant hardship to Etta, though the court awarded N1 million in damages, less than the N200 million originally sought.
The court also warned that failure by the police to comply with the ruling, including the return of the vehicle, could result in criminal charges for contempt of court. The respondents’ lawyer, Nyakno Usen Usoroh, confirmed that he would relay the decision to his clients as directed by the court.
The case has drawn attention for highlighting the importance of due process and protection of fundamental rights in interactions between law enforcement and individuals, including foreign nationals. Legal analysts say the judgment reinforces the requirement that police actions must be supported by credible evidence and underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional protections.
Observers also note the diplomatic sensitivity of the matter, as Etta is a foreign legislator, and the case serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s legal system provides avenues for redress when rights are violated. The ruling reaffirms that authorities are accountable for ensuring lawful conduct in the exercise of their powers.
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