Ex-Ondo Lawmaker Sues Police Over Alleged Unlawful Arrest

Ayodeji Arowel, a former two-term member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has initiated legal action against the Inspector General of Police, seeking N50 million in damages for what he claims was an unlawful arrest. The incident occurred during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections for the Owo/OS Federal Constituency, which took place on May 16, 2026.

Arowel alleges that his arrest violated his fundamental rights as guaranteed under sections 36, 42, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The lawsuit, filed under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, names several police officials, including ASP Ebito Ephraim and CSP Hilari Mazi, as respondents.

Arowel claims that police officers invaded his hotel room without a warrant, arrested him, and subjected him to rough handling. He was later released on bail after six hours of detention.

The suit seeks to restrain the police from further threats of arrest related to this matter.