The family of Godwin Francis Akpan has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over his continued detention by law enforcement authorities, despite a valid discharge order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Through their legal counsel, Edeh Uchenna, the family accused the police leadership of flouting judicial authority by keeping Mr Akpan in custody after the Federal Capital Territory High Court ordered his immediate release.
The petition, which highlights growing concerns over extrajudicial detentions by security operatives, demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Akpan in compliance with the clear directives of the court.
Legal Battle and Court Order
According to details contained in the petition submitted to the police authorities, the detainee had successfully secured his freedom through judicial intervention when the FCT High Court ruled in his favour.
Legal practitioners representing the family argued that holding citizens after a court has granted bail or ordered their release undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the administration of justice.
The petition noted that despite serving the necessary court documents and discharge papers to the relevant police formations, operatives have continued to hold Mr Akpan without any legal justification.
Implications for Human Rights
Civil rights advocates and legal observers have frequently decried instances of disobedience to court orders by security agencies in Nigeria. Human rights organizations maintain that prolonged detention without trial or in defiance of judicial rulings violates constitutional guarantees of personal liberty.
The legal team has urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene directly in the matter to ensure discipline within the force and uphold the constitutional rights of ordinary citizens.
As of the time of filing this report, the Force Headquarters has yet to issue a formal response regarding the petition or outline steps for compliance with the court order.
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