A Lagos High Court at Tapa Commercial Courthouse has ruled in favor of businessman Chukwuemeka Akachukwu Ewereaku, condemning the Nigeria Police Force and a private individual for his illegal arrest and detention over a N560,000 hair transaction dispute. Justice Anjorin-Ajose declared the matter purely civil and awarded N5 million in damages against Tessy Chiamaka Nnadi for abusing state power.
The case stemmed from a December 2024 luxury hair sale advertised by Ewereaku on WhatsApp. After receiving the product, Nnadi demanded a refund, which Ewereaku did not immediately provide. She then got involved with the police, which led to Ewereaku’s arrest on December 11, 2024, by officers from the Lion Building Division. Ewereaku alleged physical assault and coercion to refund the money while detained.
Through his lawyer, Chibuenyim Precious Onyemachi of Enyim Solicitors, Ewereaku filed a fundamental rights suit (LD/1863MFHR/2024) against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Inspector Tolu, and Nnadi. He presented medical reports and receipts showing assault and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
The court ruled that the police overstepped their authority by arresting Ewereaku over a civil dispute, violating his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of movement under Sections 34, 35, and 41. The judge emphasized that police cannot serve as debt collectors in commercial matters. The court declared Ewereaku’s arrest and detention unlawful and held Nnadi liable for instigating the violation. While declining a permanent injunction against future police investigations, the court granted key reliefs, including the N5 million damages against Nnadi.
The police respondents did not defend themselves in court, while lawyer Chris Ayiyi represented Nnadi. Justice Anjorin-Ajose warned against citizens misusing law enforcement to settle business disputes, stating that such actions could lead to personal liability. The ruling highlights the judiciary’s stance against the abuse of police power in civil matters. This report is based on a Vanguard News article published on June 21, 2025.
