[DETAILS] Court Awards ₦22 Million to Lawyer Over Assault by Two Nigerian Correctional Officers

In a recent landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abakaliki has in a judgment delivered on Thursday, September 25, 2025, by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Hillary Oshomah, ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service and four other respondents to pay a sum of ₦22 million in damages and costs to Barr. Sampson Imeze Ekigbo, a legal practitioner and presiding officer of a Customary Court, who was given a pretty resounding slap by the correctional officers.

According to reports and a post by Barr. Sampson Ekigbo via his Facebook page, the case which was filed under suit number FHC/AI/FHR/11/2025 on the 28th day of January, 2025, and adjudicated after a hearing on the 30th of same month, stemmed from an incident that occurred on November 26, 2024, at Harriz Filling Station in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, when and where Barr. Ekigbo was assaulted by two officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, identified as Ifeanyi Nwovu and Ogwuma Chidi, after a minor traffic altercation involving a tricycle colliding with his vehicle. Despite identifying himself as a judicial officer, Ekigbo was slapped, dragged, and threatened with a firearm, resulting in a severe ear injury that required hospitalization. "But given that only someone irrational would confront an armed individual, I restrained myself, gathered evidence, and proceeded to the Federal High Court.” Ekigbo said while recounting what transpired between him and the officers.

Hon. Justice Oshomah in his ruling, declared the assault a gross violation of Ekigbo’s right to dignity of person, as guaranteed under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). Therefore held the Nigerian Correctional Service, its Comptroller General, the Ebonyi Command Comptroller, and the two officers jointly liable for the attack.

Barr. Ekigbo was awarded ₦20 million as compensation for the physical and emotional pain he suffered, with an additional ₦2 million to cover legal costs and expenses. Furthermore, the respondents were ordered to publish an unreserved apology to Ekigbo in two national newspapers within 14 days. A 10% per annum post-judgment interest was imposed on the total sum should the respondents fail to comply within the stipulated period. The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further torturing, intimidating, or molesting Ekigbo without lawful cause. See full judgment below:

Speaking to journalists yesterday, Ekigbo expressed relief at the judgment, describing it as a triumph for justice and the rule of law. “I followed the path of peace, but my efforts, along with interventions by the Nigerian Bar Association and civil society groups, were ignored by the authorities. The judgment today is justice. It is not just for me but for all judicial officers and citizens whose rights are trampled upon. I will ensure it is enforced to the letter.”  he said. 

Ekigbo’s counsel, C.C. Aliugo, hailed the ruling as a bold step in reinforcing the sanctity of fundamental human rights and curbing abuse of power by security agencies. The respondents’ counsel, Samuel Nwalieze, was present in court but has not reportedly issued any public statement on the judgment as at time of this news article.

This is a developing story, as more update is made available, this article will probably be updated.