The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Nigerian government and police authorities to immediately pay ₦70 million in compensation to Miss Glory Okolie, a young student who was unlawfully detained for months without trial. Her arrest by officers of the Intelligence Response Team in Owerri, Imo State, on June 13, 2021, led to prolonged detention during which she was denied access to legal counsel and allegedly forced to perform domestic chores for police officers.
Two separate courts awarded compensation to Okolie. On June 23, 2022, the Federal Capital Territory High Court ordered ₦60 million in damages. The ECOWAS Court of Justice later ruled on November 21, 2024, that her detention violated human rights laws and awarded an additional ₦10 million.
Despite these rulings, RULAAC says the government has refused to comply. Its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, criticized the delay and described it as a serious violation of the rule of law. He stated that repeated attempts by Okolie’s legal team to reach the Attorney-General’s office have been ignored.
Nwanguma insisted that court judgments must be respected and enforced, warning that the failure to do so encourages impunity. He called for the immediate release of the compensation, an official apology to Okolie, and punishment for the officers involved. He also appealed to international human rights groups and diplomatic missions to hold Nigeria accountable.
According to RULAAC, Okolie’s case highlights a disturbing trend of abuse and official disregard for judicial orders in the country.
