Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted permission for substituted service of court documents via email on Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh in a ₦200 million fundamental rights suit arising from an alleged exorcism involving a minor.

The case was filed by human rights lawyer Barrister Ikechukwu Obasi on behalf of a Junior Secondary School 1 pupil from Durumi II in Abuja, originally from Rivers State. The suit alleges that the actress subjected the child to degrading treatment during a religious deliverance session on March 6, 2026.

According to court filings, the incident was captured in a video and photographs that were later shared on the actress’s Facebook page. The plaintiff claims the child was placed on bare ground and pressed against a rough surface, resulting in public humiliation, stigma, psychological trauma, and a violation of her rights to dignity and privacy under the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act 2003.

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The matter is being heard at High Court No. 3 in Maitama before Justice Maryann E. Anenih. During proceedings on Tuesday, the court granted the application for substituted service after it was established that personal service on the defendant had not been successful.

The court ordered that all relevant court documents may now be served on the defendant through two verified email addresses or by publication in a national newspaper, ensuring that the case can proceed without further delay.

Counsel C.E. Okoro informed the court that attempts to serve the actress personally had been unsuccessful. Justice Anenih held that sufficient grounds had been established and approved the application for alternative service.

The suit was filed in March under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, with an ex parte motion for substituted service submitted on March 31.

The case has now been adjourned for hearing on May 11, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the substantive issues in the matter.

Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

Calabar man bags life sentence for raping daughter

A Calabar High Court sentenced Imeh Sunday, 46, to life in jail for raping his biological daughter.

The lawsuit was prosecuted by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to preserving the rights of children and vulnerable people.

Justice Blessing Egwu of Cross River State’s Family Court 2 gave the decision on Wednesday, following the convict’s trial on counts of incestuous rape.

The court ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, citing what it regarded as overwhelming evidence against the defendant.

Justice Egwu then imposed the maximum penalty. The organization’s Principal Counsel, James Ibor, praised the survivor for her courage and tenacity throughout the trial.

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He also complimented the survivor’s guardians, the state Ministry of Justice, and the police for their efforts to secure the conviction.

“I wish to commend the survivor, her grandparents, the Honourable Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police, the judiciary, as well as the staff and volunteers of BRCI for their commitment and support toward the survivor and her recovery,” he said.

The group stated that the latest conviction takes the total number of rape-related convictions it has obtained in Calabar and other parts of the state to four in the last four months.

In 2025, the Nigeria Police Force’s Bauchi State Police Command arrested a 28-year-old man for criminal intimidation, assault, and rape of his 8-year-old biological daughter.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, stated, “On 31/12/2025 one Baffa’ji Muhammed ‘m’ reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Alkaleri, that on 30/12/2025 at about 1830hrs, one Baffa’ji Abba ‘m’ aged 28yrs (same address as the complainant), lured his biological daughter (name withheld), aged 8yrs, into a bathroom and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her through both her vagina and anus about five times in a single day against her will.”

Calabar man bags life sentence for raping daughter

Lagos Police Ban Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones During Operations

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has issued a firm directive prohibiting officers from searching citizens’ mobile phones during stop-and-search operations, stressing that such practices are not permitted under existing policing rules.

The directive was issued in a video statement shared on Tuesday, outlining new operational standards for officers of the Nigeria Police Force deployed across Lagos State. The move is aimed at improving professionalism, strengthening accountability, and reducing public complaints during police encounters.

The police chief made it clear that officers are strictly barred from inspecting or searching civilians’ mobile phones during any operation. He stated that enforcement duties must remain within legal limits and focus only on approved procedures.

“Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual. We are there to search vehicles,” he said.

He explained that stop-and-search operations are primarily designed to check vehicles and verify passengers to prevent citizens from unknowingly entering vehicles operated by criminals. According to him, the focus of policing should remain on security threats and not personal digital devices.

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The Commissioner also addressed concerns about public recording of police officers, stating that officers should not be afraid of being filmed while carrying out lawful duties. He emphasised that transparency is part of modern policing.

“When we know that what we are doing is the right thing, we shouldn’t entertain any fears of anybody recording us. You can record us. We can record you as well,” he said.

He added that accountability must be mutual, noting that both officers and citizens are entitled to record interactions during official engagements as long as operations remain lawful.

The directive forms part of broader reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at improving professionalism and reducing allegations of misconduct, harassment, and abuse of power during routine stop-and-search operations.

Security analysts say the decision aligns with growing calls for stronger police accountability in Nigeria and better respect for constitutional protections, especially regarding digital privacy rights in Nigeria.

Under the new directive, officers are prohibited from searching citizens’ phones, stop-and-search duties must focus strictly on vehicles, citizens are allowed to record police officers on duty, and officers are required to operate within approved legal boundaries at all times.

The Commissioner said the policy is also intended to build trust between the police and the public, particularly in Lagos, where stop-and-search operations are common due to heavy traffic flow and urban security challenges.

He urged officers to remain disciplined and professional, stressing that effective policing must balance security responsibilities with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The development is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to reform policing standards in Nigeria, improve public confidence in law enforcement, and reduce friction between officers and citizens during field operations.

Lagos Police Ban Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones During Operations