The legal team of Mr. Godwin Francis Akpan has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, seeking his intervention in the alleged continued detention of their client. Akpan's lawyers, Edeh Uchenna C. & Co., claim that their client remains in detention despite a High Court order for his immediate release. The FCT High Court, Maitama, had on September 17 ordered Akpan's release after considering his application for bail or release from detention.
Justice C.N. Nwabulu-Ndukwe, in Motion No. M/13570/26, held that the reliefs sought by Akpan had merit and directed that he be released "forthwith". The court order followed an application filed on September 2 by Akpan, who had alternatively sought an order for his production before the court. The respondents in the application included the Nigerian Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and several other parties.
Akpan's lawyers alleged that their client is being detained in connection with a police investigation arising from a commercial dispute involving his employer's company and another company. They claimed that Akpan had been detained beyond the statutory period without being charged, despite his willingness to cooperate with the police. The lawyers stressed that they were not seeking to stop any lawful investigation.
The petition, which included a certified true copy of the September 17 court order, urged the IGP to ensure compliance with the court order. Akpan's lawyers argued that investigation must operate within the limits of due process, individual liberty, and respect for judicial authority. They emphasized that the liberty of an individual should not become collateral to a commercial disagreement.
The lawyers urged the police to conduct any outstanding investigation through "lawful, transparent and orderly procedures" and allow the underlying commercial dispute to be resolved through the appropriate legal channels. They called for urgent intervention by the IGP to secure compliance with the court order. The petition was copied to several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Key parties involved in the case include the Nigerian Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and Elitech Footwear Technology Co. Ltd. The case highlights the importance of respecting judicial authority and ensuring that investigations are conducted within the bounds of the law. Akpan's detention has raised concerns about the balance between investigation and individual liberty.
The IGP's intervention is being sought to resolve the issue of Akpan's continued detention despite the court order for his release. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the IGP will respond to the petition. The situation underscores the need for law enforcement agencies to respect the rule of law and the authority of the courts.
Key points
- The FCT High Court ordered Akpan's immediate release on September 17.
- Akpan's lawyers claim he has been detained beyond the statutory period without being charged.
- The petition was copied to several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
