In Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State High Court has mandated Inspector Iniobong Umoren of the State Police Command to compensate Jeremiah Sunday Udo, a commercial tricycle operator, with N5 million for the unjust arrest and seizure of his tricycle purchased on hire purchase for N1.9 million.

Additionally, the court has directed Mr. Udoka David, the owner of the tricycle (commonly known as Keke), who is the first respondent, to compensate Jeremiah Udo (applicant) with an additional N5 million for prompting the police to apprehend and detain him for five days without sustenance.

Justice Ntong Ntong, presiding over the case on Thursday, issued the order during the judgment on Jeremiah Udo’s application for the enforcement of his fundamental rights. The court exempted Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, from the suit but advised him to ensure his officers adhere to the law.

Jeremiah Udo, residing in Ifa Ikot Idang, Uyo, informed the court that he faithfully honored the hire purchase agreement with Udoka David, paying N20,000 weekly until economic challenges arose. Despite having paid N885,000 of the N1.9 million agreed upon, he was unexpectedly arrested on February 12, 2023.

Justice Ntong criticized Inspector Iniobong Umoren’s swift action in impounding the tricycle without a court order, highlighting Mr. Udoka David’s involvement as “satanic, nefarious, and unwholesome antics.” The court emphasized the protection of the tricyclist’s fundamental rights against the unlawful actions of Inspector Iniobong Umoren and Mr. Udoka David.

The judge further noted that after reviewing all the documents presented by the parties, including the bail bond, petition, and statements from the first and second respondents, he found them to be manipulated and fabricated with the intent to deceive the court.

The court directed “Inspector Iniobong Umoren and Mr. Udoka David, invoking the authority of God Almighty, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Inspector General of Police, to immediately release the applicant’s tricycle. This release is to be maintained until a court of competent jurisdiction issues an alternative order under the hire purchase agreement.”