Court Gavel
Court orders Anambra cleric to pay bank manager N10m for human rights abuse
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered popular Anambra cleric and founder of Living Christ Mission, Rev. Onokogu Hezekiah (also known as Daddy Hezekiah), to pay N10 million to Polaris Bank manager, Hezekiah Duru, for violating his fundamental human rights.
The cleric had filed a petition against Duru, accusing him of financial misappropriation and breach of trust, which led to Duru’s arrest and detention by the police.
However, Justice D. Okorowo ruled against Daddy Hezekiah and the Nigeria Police Force, stating that the arrest and detention of Duru was a violation of his fundamental human rights, especially since the allegation was already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/3/2024, Justice D. Okorowo also faulted the warrant order obtained from the Nasarawa State Magistrate Court.
The Court judgment by Justice Okorowo in favour of the Applicant, Duru, reads:
“A declaration is made that the arrest, detention and purported investigation of the Applicant from the 11th day of December 2023 till 29th day of December 2023 by the Respondents on the petition of the 1st Respondent on an allegation of financial misappropriation/embezzlement/cheating/breach of trust already being investigated is an infringement of the Applicant’s right to personal liberty, fair hearing, right to dignity of his person as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
READ ALSO:
“A declaration is made that the order/warrant for the detention of the Applicant obtained by the Respondents from the Nasarawa State Magistrate Courts is unlawful, an abuse of powers, an abuse of judicial process and an infringement of the Applicant’s right to fair hearing, and personal liberty.
“An Order is made directing the release of the Applicant, Amb. Dr Hezekiah Chinenye Duru forthwith from Police custody.
“An Order of injunction is made restraining the Nigerian police and its officers from arresting, detaining or further violating or doing anything capable of undermining, threatening or interfering with the fundamental rights of the Applicant, His Excellency Amb. Dr. Hezekiah Chinenye Duru.
“An award of 10 Million Naira damages jointly and severally against Rev Onukogu and the Nigerian police, the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police and ACP Asuqou (the officer in Charge of the Special Investigation Unit of the IGP office).”
Lagos govt insists nightclubs, worship centres must obtain permit for amplified sound The Lagos State…
Alleged missing N180m: It’s a prank, Singer Dammy Krane says Singer, Dammy Krane has stated that social…
Inter Milan crush Cagliari 3-0 to top Serie A Inter Milan made it three Serie A wins…
Kemi Badenoch political career may be in danger – Top diplomat Comments by the Leader of…
Oluwo backs push for Sharia law in South-West The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi,…
Niger: DSS officers kill three notorious bandits, recover arms, motorbikes At least three notorious bandits were…