A High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Awuma Oriye, has ordered the police to pay N3 million in compensation to the former traditional ruler of Ekpeye, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Kelvin Anugwo. This follows his illegal arrest on September 10, 2023, and subsequent 82-day detention in connection with the murder of SP Bako Angbashim.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Oriye also mandated the police to issue a public apology to Anugwo in a national daily for violating his fundamental rights.
Additionally, the judge issued an injunction preventing the police from further arresting, threatening, or harassing Anugwo in relation to the death of Bako Angbashim.
The traditional ruler was also awarded N200,000 in damages.
Speaking with journalists after the judgment, counsel to Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Ikashi Emehi, described the ruling as justice for the Ekpeye people and encouraged them to remain resilient.