A Federal High Court in Calabar has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and four other respondents to pay ₦100 million in damages over the death of 22-year-old Onyekachi Mba, who died after an incident involving police officers attached to the Cross River State Government House.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu delivered the judgment on Thursday in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the deceased’s lawyer, Chief Roland Nbubuka.
The court held that the actions of the police officers violated Mba’s constitutional rights, including his rights to dignity, personal liberty and life, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
According to the court, the assault and injuries Mba allegedly suffered during the incident at the Government House on August 1, 2025, were unlawful and ultimately led to his death.
Justice Ojukwu consequently awarded ₦100 million in damages, ruling that the amount can be paid jointly or severally by the respondents.
Those listed in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Victor Edet, the Police Service Commission, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, and SP Emmanuel Dickson, the Chief Security Officer of the Cross River State Government House.
Court records showed that Mba sustained severe injuries during the incident and later died at the Naval Reference Hospital in Calabar.
The judgment marks a significant ruling in the enforcement of fundamental human rights and underscores the legal consequences of unlawful actions by security personnel.
Source: Federal High Court, Calabar
