Court Awards Duke Abiola ₦100 Million for Police Harassment

The High Court in Abuja dismissed charges against Duke Abiola, the widow of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, and awarded her ₦100 million in damages due to allegations of harassment by the Nigeria Police Force.

Justice Okp described the police's actions as inhuman and degrading, noting a clear violation of Abiola's constitutional rights. The court found that the treatment meted out to her amounted to a fundamental breach of human rights.

Duke Abiola had approached the court alleging harassment and intimidation, claiming she was a victim of a setup and denied allegations of assault against police officers. The judgment characterized the police's actions as a calculated attempt to frame her and politically persecute her.

The court ordered the police to publicly apologize in two national newspapers and granted a perpetual injunction to restrain further harassment or intimidation against her.