Delta Decides
Outspoken writer and political commentator Mr. Basil Okoh has dragged the Delta State Commissioner of Police and a former Chief of Staff, Dr. Festus Okubor, to court over his alleged illegal arrest and five-day detention without trial.
Joined in the suit are Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tom Chris and Inspector Charles Ukwu of the Delta State Police Command.
In the application (Suit No: HC/ASB/FR/168/2026), filed on September 10, 2026, by counsel D.O. Ehedu Esq and S.C. Uwadia Okoh is seeking N100 million in damages for the alleged violation of his fundamental rights.
In a supporting affidavit personally sworn to by Mr Basil Okoh, the media commentator recounted how he was trailed and abducted from his Lagos residence:
“That on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at about 10am my Electrician, Mr. Imole knocked on my gate at my residence in Lagos, Lagos State. Upon opening the gate five men forcibly pushed him inside, seized my mobile phone and identified themselves as Policemen from Asaba Police Headquarters.
“That the 2nd Respondent (ASP Tom Chris) stated that they were arresting me because I ignored a WhatsApp message regarding a petition written by the 4th respondent (Dr Festus Okubor). I responded that WhatsApp was a social media application and not an official or verifiable statutory means of Police invitation.
“While I was accompanied to my bedroom to dress up the 2nd and 3rd respondents (ASP Tom Chris and Inspector Charles Ukwu) secretly made unauthorized video recordings of my bedroom…”
Brought pursuant to Order 11 Rules 1 and 2 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, the applicant is seeking six key reliefs from the court:
Unlawful Treatment: A declaration that his arrest, physical invasion, five-day detention, and denial of food, water, and medical care constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, violating Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Unconstitutional Detention: A declaration that holding him beyond the constitutionally prescribed period without arraignment violates Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution.
Press Freedom Breach: A declaration that his arrest and secret video recording—instigated by Dr. Okubor to silence him—infringe on his freedom of expression and press freedom under Section 39 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter.
Perpetual Injunction: An order restraining the respondents and their agents from further arresting, harassing, or intimidating him.
N100m Compensation: An order directing the respondents to jointly pay N100 million in general and exemplary damages for violating his fundamental rights.
Public Apology & Video Takedown: An order compelling the respondents to publish a formal written apology in two national dailies and immediately delete all secretly recorded videos of him from the internet.
While filling this report, this platform gathered that no date has been fixed for the hearing.
Efforts to reach Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful as at press time.
