Remedies Available To A Person Who Is Unlawfully Arrested Or Detained

By Legalpedia

NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE BOARD & ANOR V. DR. D. RUDRAKHOSERE HARGAAL GAR

suit no: CA/B/420/2014

Legalpedia Electronic Citation: (2021) Legalpedia (CA) 11190

Areas Of Law:

Appeal, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law And Procedure, Fundamental Rights, Practice And Procedure

Summary Of Facts:

The Respondent commenced this Fundamental Rights action against his unlawful arrest and detention before the Federal High Court, Benin Division wherein the Respondent took out a Writ of Summons against the Appellants seeking for the Sum of N5,000,000.00 (Five-Million) Naira as General Damages and $50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand US Dollars) as Special Damages.

In its defence, the Appellants contended that the alleged arrest and detention of the Respondent was done in the exercise of a lawful duty.

In its judgment, the lower Court entered judgment for the Respondent and awarded the sums of N5, 000,000.00 (Five-Million) naira only as general damages and N50, 000.00 (Fifty-Thousand) Naira cost against the Appellants. Dissatisfied with the judgment, the Appellants appealed against the judgment to the Court of Appeal, Benin Division vide their Notice of Appeal raising two Grounds of Appeal.

HELD:
Appeal Dismissed
ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION

Ø Whether the learned trial Judge was right to hold that the alleged arrest and detention of the Plaintiff was unlawful, even when the arrest and detention were done in furtherance of the lawful duty to prosecute the Plaintiff for evading payment of custom duty.

Ø Whether the learned trial Judge was right to award the sum of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million naira) as general damages to the Plaintiff even when the Plaintiff had not established unlawful arrest, detention, mental agony and malicious prosecution or any other acts that impugned his reputation.

RATIONES

RIGHT TO PERSONAL LIBERTY – WHETHER THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE GUARANTEE OF THE RIGHT TO PERSONAL LIBERTY OF AN INDIVIDUAL

“In deciding, however, if only for a brief moment to subject the provision of Section 35(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended, to a microscopic examination, since the Appellants seem here to have taken solace under the said provision, in buttressing their arguments in support of the illogicality of their claims, that there are no such things as an absolute guarantee of the liberty of the individual, so long as it can at anytime be curtailed under any of the circumstances permitted under the law, it is apposite, perhaps, to state here that the test of “reasonableness” as to what is of “reasonable belief”, is an objective one. It is usually not what the arresting authority considers reasonable, but whether the facts within their knowledge at the time of the arrest disclosed circumstances from which it could easily have been inferred that the person committed the offence alleged. See the case of Ekpu & Ors vs. A.G. (Federation) & Ors (1998) 1 HRLRA 391 at 419 – 420″. – PER F. O. OHO, J.C.A

UNLAWFUL ARREST – REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A PERSON WHO IS UNLAWFULLY ARRESTED OR DETAINED

Section 35(6) of the Constitution (as amended) provides that any person who is unlawfully arrested or detained shall be entitled to compensation and public apology from the appropriate authority or person. See the cases of Skye Bank vs. Njoku & Ors (2016) LPELR – 40447 (CA); Arulogun vs. COP, Lagos State & Ors. (2016) LPELR -40190 (CA).

The settled position of the law is that when once the arrest and detention of a person is adjudged to be wrongful and unlawful, he is entitled to the remedy stipulated by the Constitution. He needs not specifically ask for it. See Skye Bank Plc vs. Njoku & Ors (Supra); Nemi vs. A. G. Lagos State (1996) 6 NWLR (PT. 452) 42 AT 55 (D – E); Okoro vs. COP, Enugu State & Anor (2016) LPELR – 41025 (CA); and Att-Gen. Of Lagos State vs. Keita (2016) LPELR – 40163. Perhaps, to make matters worse for the Appellants, at paragraph 10 of their averment in their Amended Statement of Defence and paragraph 13 of their deposition on Oath, the Appellants admitted that they were responsible for the harassment, arrest, detention, remand of the Respondent at Oko prison, so that the regime of humiliation, physical and mental torture, agony anxiety, inconveniences and loss of income of the Respondent referred to at paragraphs 12, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 22 of the Plaintiffs written deposition on Oath, were caused by the reckless, corrupt and nefarious display of power by the Appellants. See pages 228 to 233 of the records. It is further settled in law that an unlawful arrest and detention, no matter how short entitles the applicant to compensation. See Arulogun vs. COP (Supra).- PER F. O. OHO, J.C.A

UNLAWFUL ARREST AND DETENTION – WHETHER AN APPLICANT IS ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION WHERE HIS UNLAWFUL ARREST AND DETENTION IS SHORT

“It is further settled in law that an unlawful arrest and detention, no matter how short entitles the applicant to compensation. See Arulogun vs. COP (Supra)”. PER F. O. OHO, J.C.A

Statutes Referred To:

Evidence Act 2011
Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria

Related Articles

206 COMMENTS

  1. Spot on with this write-up, I truly feel this amazing site needs far
    more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for
    the advice!

    Feel free to surf to my blog … Milan

  2. I used to be suggested this website by my cousin.
    I’m no longer sure whether or not this post is written through him as nobody else realize such targeted approximately
    my trouble. You’re amazing! Thank you!

    Take a look at my web site – Kasha

  3. I believe everything typed was very logical. But, think on this,
    suppose you added a little content? I ain’t suggesting your content
    is not solid., however what if you added a headline that grabbed
    folk’s attention? I mean Remedies Available To A Person Who Is Unlawfully Arrested Or Detained – Law and Society
    Magazine. is a little boring. You ought to peek at Yahoo’s
    home page and see how they create news headlines to grab people interested.
    You might add a related video or a related pic or two to
    get readers excited about everything’ve written. In my opinion,
    it could make your website a little livelier.

    Stop by my homepage Wilbur

  4. Whats up very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful ..
    I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?
    I am happy to search out so many useful info right here within the submit, we need work out more strategies on this regard,
    thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    Take a look at my website: Jared

  5. A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment.
    I do think that you should write more about this topic,
    it may not be a taboo subject but typically people do not talk about such topics.
    To the next! All the best!!

    my site: Sanora

  6. Hello There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. This
    is an extremely neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post.
    I will certainly comeback.

    Feel free to visit my web blog; Diego

  7. fantastic issues altogether, you just won a logo new reader.
    What would you recommend in regards to your put
    up that you just made some days ago? Any
    certain?

    Visit my web site – Archie

  8. Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this blog; this weblog consists of remarkable and
    in fact fine stuff in favor of visitors.

    Here is my page … Lida

  9. Hello there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll certainly digg
    it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident
    they’ll be benefited from this website.

    My web page – Arlen

  10. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.

    I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will often come
    back later on. I want to encourage that you continue your great writing, have a nice weekend!

    Check out my page; Wilfred

  11. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?

    Here is my web site; Casimira

  12. I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great
    topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.

    Thanks for great info I was looking for this info for my mission.

    Here is my web page … Marylin

  13. Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know ifblogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone withexperience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    http://J-F-B.com

  14. Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that,
    awesome blog!

    Feel free to surf to my web site Tracy

  15. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative.
    I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate
    if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Also visit my site: Arlie

  16. Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.

    Your blog provided us valuable information to
    work on. You have done a marvellous job!

    Also visit my site; Carrie

  17. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
    Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
    fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where
    to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks

    Here is my blog – Heather

  18. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too magnificent.
    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what
    you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you
    still care for to keep it smart. I can not
    wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific website.

    Here is my page Sonia

  19. I have read some just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how so much effort you put to create this
    sort of magnificent informative site.

    Stop by my homepage :: Elinor

  20. Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe
    this web site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the info!

    My blog post :: Fae

  21. Olá a todos, essa é minha primeira visita
    no site , e estou impressionado com o post , que é de verdade muito bom não só para mim, mas para todos
    que gostam do assunto .

    Here is my web blog – Lift Detox Caps Anvisa (https://rotf.lol/)

  22. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you
    wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since
    exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

    My web site: Archer

  23. When someone writes an post he/she keeps the idea of
    a user in his/her brain that how a user can understand it.
    So that’s why this article is great. Thanks!

    Stop by my website: Reina

  24. Hi there very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing ..

    I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I am satisfied to find so
    many useful information right here within the
    put up, we want develop extra strategies on this regard, thanks for
    sharing. . . . . .

    my web site – Billy

  25. These are truly fantastic ideas in on the topic of blogging.

    You have touched some nice things here. Any way keep
    up wrinting.

    Feel free to visit my website: Timothy

  26. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
    My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would certainly benefit
    from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you.
    Thanks!

    my page; Lovie

  27. You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the article you write.
    The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to
    say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

    Here is my web page; Jacki

  28. What i do not understood is in truth how you are no
    longer actually much more well-liked than you may
    be right now. You are very intelligent. You
    recognize thus considerably in relation to this subject,
    made me in my view imagine it from so many varied angles.
    Its like men and women are not involved unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga!

    Your individual stuffs nice. Always care for it up!

    my web blog: Valarie

  29. Hi to every single one, it’s genuinely a fastidious for me to pay a quick visit
    this website, it consists of useful Information.

    Have a look at my blog post – Felica

  30. I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work and
    reporting! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve you guys to my own blogroll.

    Take a look at my web page :: Shelby

  31. excellent put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of
    this sector do not understand this. You should continue your writing.
    I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!

    Feel free to visit my web site … Anne

  32. Hi Dear, are you really visiting this web page regularly, if so afterward you will definitely get good experience.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage – Keira

  33. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment
    didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over
    again. Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

    Also visit my webpage: Juliet

  34. Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I
    was curious about your situation; we have developed some nice methods
    and we are looking to trade techniques with other folks, be sure to shoot
    me an e-mail if interested.

    my web site; agen judi slot

  35. Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that,
    great blog!

    Here is my webpage … Willa

  36. I read this article completely regarding the difference of most recent and earlier technologies, it’s awesome article.

    Also visit my web page … Ola

  37. What i do not realize is in fact how you’re no
    longer actually much more well-liked than you
    may be now. You’re so intelligent. You recognize thus considerably
    in the case of this subject, made me individually consider it from numerous numerous angles.
    Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Woman gaga!
    Your personal stuffs nice. At all times care for it up!

    Have a look at my webpage – Donald

  38. Hello this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG
    editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Also visit my page: Riley

  39. I’m very pleased to discover this site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!!
    I definitely liked every part of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new things on your site.

    My page: Keira

  40. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous
    to and you are just extremely fantastic. I actually like what
    you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you
    say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible.
    I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a great website.

    Feel free to visit my web blog; Hermine

  41. Hello there! This post could not be written much better!

    Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He constantly kept talking about this. I most certainly will
    forward this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a very
    good read. Thanks for sharing!

    Also visit my web page: Vania

  42. Attractive component of content. I simply stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to say that I acquire
    in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be
    subscribing in your augment and even I success you
    get admission to constantly rapidly.

    my web blog :: Adriana

  43. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
    to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I may just I wish
    to counsel you some fascinating things or tips.
    Maybe you could write next articles relating to this article.
    I want to read even more issues about it!

    Have a look at my page :: Darwin

  44. Hey there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!

    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog
    and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

    My homepage; Isiah

  45. certainly like your website but you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your
    posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I’ll definitely come back again.

    Feel free to surf to my web blog Margene

  46. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment
    (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say,
    I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer
    but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for novice blog writers?
    I’d really appreciate it.

    Here is my web blog Kristine

  47. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back
    to your webpage? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would definitely
    benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.

    Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks a lot!

    Feel free to visit my web blog Colette

  48. My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find the
    majority of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.

    can you offer guest writers to write content in your case?

    I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on most of
    the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome website!

    Feel free to surf to my web-site Jarred

  49. You made some good points there. I checked
    on the internet to learn more about the issue and
    found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.

    my page :: Niki

  50. My relatives all the time say that I am killing my time here at web,
    but I know I am getting know-how everyday by reading such fastidious articles or reviews.

    Also visit my page – Terrie

  51. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox
    and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.

    Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!

    Have a look at my web site – Ebony

  52. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came
    to “return the favor”.I am trying to
    find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use a
    few of your ideas!!

    My site :: Franziska

  53. I like this web site so much, saved to favorites. “American soldiers must be turned into lambs and eating them is tolerated.” by Muammar Qaddafi.

    jlarchitecture.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  54. I got what you intend, thankyou for putting up.Woh I am delighted to find this website through google. “Don’t be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against not with the wind.” by Hamilton Mabie.

    mantispowerplus.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  55. Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

    weecare.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  56. Appreciate it for helping out, good information.

    poolehill.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  57. I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thanks, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?

    hayskansas.lawyer

  58. I really enjoy looking through on this site, it holds wonderful blog posts. “It is easy to be nice, even to an enemy – from lack of character.” by Dag Hammarskjld.

    marled.media

  59. Good way of explaining, and fastidious paragraph to obtain data on the topic of my presentation subject, which i am going to present in school.

    my blog post – SLOT PG

  60. Some really select articles on this website , saved to favorites .

    oliviermourgue.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  61. F*ckin’ amazing things here. I am very happy to look your article. Thanks so much and i’m having a look forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?

    millennialinsuranceconsultants.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  62. I was suggested this info (tinyurl.com) website by
    my cousin. I am not certain whether or not this put up is written via him
    as nobody else recognise such designated about my difficulty.
    You are wonderful! Thank you!

  63. Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say
    I truly enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics?
    Thanks a ton!

    Have a look at my page – info what (tinyurl.com)

  64. Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect website.

    http://donovanscep701.fotosdefrases.com/cac-khuyen-mai-tai-kubet-1

  65. Hi there, this weekend is fastidious designed for me, as this point in time i am reading this great educational article here
    at my residence.

    Stop by my blog; and info (tinyurl.com)

  66. Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and
    I was wanting to know your situation; we have developed some
    nice procedures and we are looking to exchange techniques with others,
    why not shoot me an email if interested.

    Here is my page – is info (tinyurl.com)

  67. Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task.

    https://www.bokkmarking-signs.win/kubet-ku-casino-link-dang-ky-chinh-thuc-nha-cai-kubet

  68. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m impressed!
    Very useful information particularly the ultimate section 🙂 I take care of such information much.

    I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

    Here is my blog :: air tickets cheap

  69. When someone writes an article he/she keeps the thought of a user in his/her
    mind that how a user can know it. So that’s why this article is outstdanding.
    Thanks!

    Stop by my blog post – airline flights

  70. The background image of my website is labeled for commercial reuse. However, I need to copyright all other content (since I do not own the image), how do I go about doing so? Just to label my website as copyrighted… I am not concerned with the entire copyrighting process… All help is greatly appreciated..

    https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6853719394271473664/?updateEntityUrn=urn3Ali3Afs_feedUpdate3A28V22Curn3Ali3Aactivity3A685371939427147366429

  71. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be
    honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll
    go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future.

    All the best

    Also visit my web site … flight tickets

  72. With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    My blog has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either
    written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it
    up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any
    methods to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d truly
    appreciate it.

    My web-site … gamefly

  73. Asking questions are truly pleasant thing if you are
    not understanding anything completely, but this article gives nice
    understanding even.

    My web-site; gamefly

  74. Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges.
    It was truly informative. Your website is very useful.
    Many thanks for sharing!

    my webpage :: pgslot

  75. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
    on. Any tips?

    Here is my web blog slot online

  76. You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and often run out from to brand.

    vieracommunityinstitute.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  77. Perfectly pent content material , appreciate it for information .

    normalornotnormal.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=kubetno1.net/author/ngoclinh

  78. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
    Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my
    blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not
    seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!

    Take a look at my page; info that (http://tinyurl.com/yyqjmetf)

  79. Hi there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to give it a look.
    I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting
    this to my info (http://tinyurl.com) followers!
    Excellent blog and amazing design.

  80. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed
    reading it, you are a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your private blog network and definitely will
    come back at some point. I want to encourage continue your
    great job, have a nice morning!

  81. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital
    to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you
    access consistently quickly.

    Check out my site; https://kingscountysaloon.com/

  82. My spouse and I love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
    can you offer guest writers to write content for you?

    I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on some the subjects you
    write concerning here. Again, awesome weblog!

    My web page :: Marshall Electrical Contractors

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Stay Connected

1,167,000FansLike
34,567FollowersFollow
1,401,000FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe
- Advertisement -

Latest Articles