The Federal High Court, Abakaliki Division, has ruled that the brutal assault of legal practitioner Sampson Imeze Ekigbo by two officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental human rights, particularly his right to dignity of person under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Delivering judgment in suit number FHC/AI/FHR/11/2025, Justice Hillary Oshomah on Thursday awarded ₦22 million in damages and costs against the Nigerian Correctional Service, its Comptroller General, the Comptroller in Charge of Ebonyi Command, and the two officers involved in the incident.
The applicant was brutally assaulted on November 26, 2024, at Harriz Filling Station, Abakaliki, by two officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwovu and Mr. Ogwuma Chidi.
Ekigbo, who also serves as a presiding officer in the Customary Court, filed a suit against the Service, its Comptroller-General, the Ebonyi State Command Comptroller, and the two officers.
In his ruling, Justice Oshomah held that the assault amounted to a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights, particularly his right to dignity of person under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court awarded ₦20 million in compensation for the assault and ₦2 million to cover costs and expenses. It also ordered the respondents to tender an unreserved apology in two national dailies within 14 days and imposed a 10% annual post-judgment interest if the sum is not paid within the stipulated period.
Mr. Ekigbo, recounting his ordeal, said he was attacked by the officers after a tricycle rammed into his vehicle. Despite identifying himself as a judicial officer, he was slapped, dragged, and threatened with a firearm, leaving him with a severe ear injury that required hospitalization.
He expressed relief at the judgment, describing it as not only a personal victory but also a step toward protecting the dignity of judicial officers and reinforcing citizens’ rights.