Abuja Court Orders Cleric to Pay N10 Million for Rights Violation

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Rev. Onokogu Hezekiah, founder of Living Christ Mission, to pay N10 million in damages to Polaris Bank manager Hezekiah Duru for violating his fundamental human rights.

This decision follows Duru’s wrongful arrest and detention, which was instigated by Hezekiah’s petition accusing him of financial misappropriation and breach of trust.

Justice D. Okorowo ruled that Duru’s arrest by the police was a violation of his rights, particularly as the allegations were already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court also criticized the warrant order obtained from the Nasarawa State Magistrate Court.

The court’s judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/3/2024 declared the arrest, detention, and investigation of Duru as infringements on his rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, and dignity. Justice Okorowo ordered the immediate release of Duru from police custody and restrained the police from further violations of his rights.

The judgment emphasized the judiciary’s role in protecting individuals’ rights and condemned the abuse of judicial processes by law enforcement. The court also awarded N10 million in damages against Rev. Hezekiah and the Nigerian police, including the Inspector General of Police and the officer in charge of the Special Investigation Unit.

Rev. Hezekiah’s accusations had led to Duru’s arrest from December 11 to December 29, 2023, based on what the court deemed an unlawful warrant. The judgment highlights the need for proper legal procedures and safeguards against the misuse of power.