The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued an order to prevent the arrest of Mr. Faruk Adejoh-Audu, the spokesperson of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Unuoha, along with the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), and the Kogi State Director of DSS, are all restrained from carrying out the arrest, as stated in the court order.
A restraining order has been issued against the security agents, and it will remain in effect until a final decision is made on a motion regarding the enforcement of Adejoh-Audu’s fundamental human rights.
Adejoh-Audu, who is a veteran journalist, activist, and politician, filed a lawsuit claiming that his life is in serious danger from the defendants. The lawsuit was prompted by conflicts between Adejoh-Audu and Unuoha regarding election matters. Unuoha publicly threatened Adejoh-Audu, warning him to anticipate unspecified consequences.
On November 29, 2023, the SDP Spokesperson accused the police chief of working with criminals to harm his party’s interests in the recent governorship election in Kogi.
The police commissioner, in response, held a press conference the following day in Lokoja and gave Adejoh-Audu a 24-hour deadline to provide evidence for his claims or face the consequences.
In a 17-paragraph document, the SDP spokesperson defended his allegations.
An FCT High Court, led by Justice Hamza Muazu, has granted an order to prevent the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, and the State Director of the DSS from arresting or interfering with the freedom of the applicant.
This decision was made after listening to O. U. Salifu, the lawyer representing the SDP spokesman, in an ex-parte application. The court has adjourned the case to December 18, 2023, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
