In a significant legal development, a Federal Capital High Court has issued a restraining order against Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bethrand Unuoha, preventing any arrest, harassment, or intimidation of Mr Faruk Adejoh-Audu, the Spokesman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This order extends to the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), and the Kogi State Director of DSS, pending the resolution of a motion for the enforcement of Adejoh-Audu’s fundamental human rights.
This legal action stems from perceived threats to Adejoh-Audu’s life by the aforementioned defendants.
Amidst recent altercations between Adejoh-Audu and Kogi Police Commissioner Unuoha regarding election matters, tensions escalated.
The veteran journalist, activist, politician, and SDP spokesman filed the legal action, asserting that his life was under threat.
Notably, Adejoh-Audu had accused the police chief of colluding with thugs to undermine his party’s interests on November 29, 2003.
The situation intensified when Commissioner Unuoha publicly issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Adejoh-Audu to substantiate his allegations or face undisclosed consequences.
In response, the SDP spokesman, in a robust 17-paragraph reply, defended his claims and accused the police chief of resorting to self-help through threats.
In a courtroom drama presided over by Hon Justice N Hamza, the SDP Spokesman’s lawyer, O. U. Salifu Esq, presented an exparte application.
The court, after careful consideration, granted an order restraining the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, and the State Director of DSS from arresting or interfering with Adejoh-Audu’s liberty.
