A former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly has filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police and the Nigerian Police Force, challenging an arrest that occurred just hours before All Progressives Congress primaries were set to hold in the state. The legal action, filed in Akure, centres on allegations that the arrest was timed to prevent the lawmaker from participating in the party selection process.
Legal Action Filed in Akure
The former assembly member initiated proceedings against the IGP and the police force through a court filing in Akure, the state capital. The lawsuit names both the top police officer and the institution as defendants. According to the complaint, officers carried out the arrest on the same day APC primaries were scheduled to take place across Ondo State.
Vanguard News reported that the legal team argues the timing of the arrest prevented their client from taking part in the internal party process. The filing seeks declarations that the arrest violated the former lawmaker's constitutional rights and an order prohibiting similar actions ahead of future elections.
Allegations of Political Targeting
The former assembly member claims police targeted them because of their political activities within the APC. The lawsuit alleges that officers acted without proper legal basis, using arrest powers to sideline a candidate ahead of the primaries.
Police Response and Official Position
Neither the IGP nor police spokespersons have issued public statements regarding the lawsuit as of filing time. Legal observers note that courts typically require evidence that arrests were carried out with lawful authority and proper procedure.
The Ondo State Police Command declined to comment specifically on the allegations, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
APC Primaries Disrupted
The arrest occurred as APC structures in Ondo State prepared for primaries to select candidates for upcoming elections. The timing drew immediate criticism from party supporters who argued the lawmaker's removal from the process was orchestrated rather than coincidental.
Party officials have not confirmed whether the former assembly member sought to contest the primaries or the specific position they were pursuing. Local media outlets reported heightened tension at APC offices in Akure following the incident.
Constitutional Rights Under Scrutiny
Constitutional lawyers say the case touches on Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal liberty and protection from arbitrary arrest. They argue that using arrest powers to interfere with political participation raises serious rule-of-law concerns.
The case also highlights growing scrutiny of how security agencies operate during politically sensitive periods in Nigeria. Previous incidents in other states have involved similar allegations of timed arrests ahead of elections or party processes.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics
The lawsuit arrives amid broader debates about the independence of security agencies and their perceived alignment with political interests. Critics say arrests that conveniently coincide with electoral timelines undermine democratic participation.
Supporters of the former lawmaker argue the case could set a precedent for holding police accountable when arrest powers are exercised for political purposes rather than genuine law enforcement needs.
What Comes Next
The Federal High Court in Akure will hear arguments on whether to grant interim relief pending the full trial. The case is expected to proceed quickly given the political sensitivity surrounding the matter.
Watch for court rulings on the former lawmaker's application for injunction, which could determine whether they can participate in future APC processes. Police response to the formal court filings will also signal how authorities intend to defend their actions.
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They argue that using arrest powers to interfere with political participation raises serious rule-of-law concerns.The case also highlights growing scrutiny of how security agencies operate during politically sensitive periods in Nigeria. The timing drew immediate criticism from party supporters who argued the lawmaker's removal from the process was orchestrated rather than coincidental.Party officials have not confirmed whether the former assembly member sought to contest the primaries or the specific position they were pursuing.
