A Lagos-based human rights organization, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has expressed concern over the alleged unlawful detention of a woman by the Lagos State Police Command.
The woman, whose husband is involved in an investment dispute, was reportedly arrested and detained as a surety, sparking allegations of police abuse of authority. The dispute involves a company, Homes 4U Ltd, and a private investor, with the husband, Mr. William Eze, being a director. The company allegedly defaulted on a ₦32 million investment, leading to the investor’s complaint to the police.
RULAAC claims that the police, instead of pursuing civil remedies, arrested and detained Mr. Eze and later his wife, who was not a party to the investment transaction. RULAAC alleges that the police actions are a form of coercion and hostage-taking, with no basis in Nigerian law.
The police have reportedly been accused of intimidation and unprofessional conduct towards Mr. Eze’s legal counsel, including verbal abuse and threats. RULAAC has therefore, called for an immediate review of the case and the release of the detained woman.
According to RULAAC, the detention of the woman is a clear violation of Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). RULAAC has filed a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, challenging the police actions.
The Lagos State Police Command has been requested to clarify the legal basis for the woman’s detention and whether she has been charged with any recognized criminal offence.
RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, emphasized that a surety’s obligation is civil and does not attract criminal liability, adding that the police’s actions are inconsistent with Nigerian law. The incident has raised concerns about police abuse of authority and the need for accountability in the Nigeria Police Force.
RULAAC has urged the police to respect human rights and the rule of law, emphasizing that the use of police power for debt recovery or enforcement of private contracts is unacceptable. The case has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, with calls for the police to release the detained woman and respect her rights.
