Abuja Journalist Takes Nigerian Police and Lawmaker Chinedu Ogah to Court Over Alleged Unlawful Arrest and Detention

Investigative journalist Alefia Friday James has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking justice for what he describes as his “unlawful and unconstitutional” arrest and detention. The suit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2166/2025, names the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, and Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, a lawmaker representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, as respondents.

According to court documents, James alleges that on September 23, 2025, six police officers, four of them armed, stormed his home without warning, ransacked his room, and confiscated personal items including his phone, laptop, international passport, and clothing. He claims that his arrest was carried out at the instigation and directive of Hon. Chinedu Ogah.

James was initially taken to the Area F Command in Ikeja, Lagos, for two days before being transferred to the defunct SARS facility in Abuja, where he spent six weeks in detention. During this period, he alleges his fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement were violated. The journalist has asked the court to declare the arrest and detention “unconstitutional, unlawful, and illegal,” and to order his immediate and unconditional release.

In addition to demanding his release, James is seeking N50 million in damages against Hon. Chinedu Ogah for allegedly instigating the police action against him. The suit also requests an injunction restraining the police from any future harassment, arrest, or detention outside the provisions of the Constitution.

The journalist has asserted that the allegations leveled against him, including claims of bullying, cyberstalking, and harassment, were based on his legitimate journalistic work. He pointed out that some reports were investigative pieces exposing land-grabbing issues and threats to individuals’ lives, and that he had sought responses from Hon. Ogah, which were declined.

This case has drawn attention to concerns over press freedom, police conduct, and the potential misuse of state power to intimidate journalists in Nigeria. James’ legal action underscores the critical role of judicial oversight in safeguarding fundamental human rights and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for any abuse of power.

As the matter awaits a hearing date, many are watching closely to see how the court will handle allegations of unlawful arrest, abuse of police authority, and violations of press freedom in Nigeria.