A landmark ruling by the High Court sitting in Uke, Nassarawa State, has awarded N2 million in damages to Mr. Stephen Jonah, who was unlawfully detained by the Nassarawa State Police for over a year. The court also ordered his immediate release from the Keffi Maximum Security Correctional Facility, where he had been held since 2022.
The case stemmed from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the Rights Enforcement and Justice Agency (REJA) on behalf of Mr. Jonah. The agency uncovered his prolonged detention during a routine visit to the correctional facility, and legal action swiftly followed.
The case, identified as Suit No: NSD/MG610/2023, was presented before the court on December 5, 2023. In its judgment, delivered on Tuesday, the High Court condemned the Nassarawa Police Command’s handling of Mr. Jonah’s case. The court found that the Police Command had violated Mr. Jonah’s fundamental rights, failing to adhere to the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Nassarawa State. The judgment emphasized that Mr. Jonah’s right to freedom and dignity had been severely infringed upon.
In addition to the damages, the court ordered the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Jonah from the Keffi Correctional Centre, a decision welcomed by REJA. The human rights agency hailed the judgment as a significant victory for justice, calling it an affirmation of the importance of protecting fundamental rights in Nigeria.
REJA also called on the Attorney General of Nassarawa State and the Assistant Controller of Corrections to comply with the court’s order and secure Mr. Jonah’s release without delay. In a statement, the agency highlighted its ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable inmates, particularly those who have been unjustly detained and abandoned by the system.
“Every week, volunteer lawyers and paralegals visit correctional facilities across Nigeria, ensuring that indigent inmates, many of whom have been forgotten by society, have access to justice,” REJA emphasized. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting those who suffer from systemic neglect due to poverty and a lack of legal representation.
REJA also used this victory to raise awareness about troubling trends within the criminal justice system. It urged authorities to uphold the rights of detainees and follow the law rigorously, condemning the practice of remanding individuals without proper legal processes. The agency stressed the need for comprehensive reforms and accountability in law enforcement to prevent future violations.
This ruling serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring that justice is both fair and accessible to all Nigerians.
