Justice for Stephen: Court Slams SSS with ₦5M Fine Over Illegal Detention of 12-Year-Old

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ENUGU – The Court of Appeal in Enugu has upheld a High Court ruling that declared the arrest and detention of 12-year-old Stephen Egwuatu by the State Security Service (SSS) illegal. The appellate court also reaffirmed a ₦5 million fine against the agency for violating the boy’s fundamental rights.

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Stephen was arrested on November 8, 2021, and released three days later. His case was championed by human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who described the court’s decision as a major victory for justice.

The SSS had appealed the initial ruling, but on March 27, 2025, Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri dismissed the case, declaring the agency’s appeal “unmeritorious.”

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Ejiofor has vowed to ensure the enforcement of the judgment, emphasizing that no security agency should be above the law.

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Michael Odegbe

Michael Odegbe, a graduate in Animal Breeding and Physiology (B.Agric), contributes to Newsbino.com by providing informed and accurate news, along with valuable insights on relevant topics. His expertise as a Data Analyst, HRM, Blogger, Entrepreneur, Transformational Leader, and Humanitarian ensures readers receive practical, innovative content they can trust.

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