A former Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and aspirant of the All Progressives Congress for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency seat, Hon. Ayodeji Arowele, has instituted a legal action against the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over his arrest shortly before the party’s primary election.
Also listed as defendants in the suit are the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Ebito Ephraim, CSP Hilary Mazi and one Yusuf Sanya Isiaka.
The suit, filed through his counsel, Chief Kunle Ijalana, challenged the legality of his arrest on May 16, alleging that the action violated his fundamental rights guaranteed under Sections 36, 42 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Arowele contended that police officers stormed his hotel room a few hours before the commencement of the APC primary election, describing the operation as unlawful and an infringement on his rights to privacy, personal liberty and human dignity.
In the court processes, the former lawmaker sought a declaration that the invasion of his hotel room by police operatives under the guise of an investigation was unconstitutional, amounted to an abuse of power and violated his fundamental freedoms.
He further asked the court to restrain the police from issuing further invitations, threats of arrest or any form of harassment over the allegations that led to his arrest, arguing that such actions would constitute a breach of his constitutional rights.
According to him, any renewed attempt to investigate or prosecute him over the matter would amount to double jeopardy and an abuse of the powers vested in law enforcement agencies.
The suit was filed less than 24 hours after the Ondo State Government raised concerns over the activities of operatives of the Force Intelligence Department in parts of the state.
Arowele has also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, protesting the conduct of officers involved in the operation at his hotel.
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