Pay Baba Suwe N25 million, court orders NDLEA

The Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja this morning ordered the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to pay the sum of N25 million as damages to comedian, Babatunde Omidina, aka Baba Suwe for his unlawful arrest and detention. In her 45-minute ruling, Justice Yetunde Idowu said it had proven from all evidences that the NDLEA violated Omidina's fundamental rights by keeping him in custody for nine days without trial."From all indications, the NDLEA's action in this matter is a clear violation of his human rights. I hereby order that the sum of N25 million be paid as damages to the applicant and a public apology tendered in two widely read newspapers within 21 days of this judgment. Counsels to both applicants and the respondents should agree on the newspapers to use," Justice Idowu said.Omidina had sued the NDLEA and had demanded for his immediate release, an award of N100 million as damages and a public apology. He had been granted bail on November 4 after 24 days in NDLEA custody.In his response to the verdict, Bamidele Aturu, lawyer to Baba Suwe said they were satisfied with the ruling and hoped that this will send a strong signal to other law enforcement agencies as it concerns managing suspects.However, counsel to NDLEA, Theresa Asuquo told Daily Trust that they were not satisfied with the ruling and may soon appeal the judgment. She said the notice of appeal may be filed before the expiration of the day order from the court.
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