Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and its Chairman, Hashim Akintunde Abioye, have taken legal action against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police.
They are seeking N2 billion in damages for the alleged illegal arrest and detention of OSSIEC staff, including ad-hoc staff, in connection with the 2025 Local Government Elections.
Recall that on February 22, the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday arrested some officials of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and sealed the head office where electoral materials were being kept.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Osogbo Judicial Division, claims that the defendants’ actions violated the fundamental rights of OSSIEC staff, including their rights to liberty, private life, and dignity.
In Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/41/2025, filed on Tuesday by its counsel Maruf Adediran Esq, the commission is seeking declarations that the arrest and detention of its staff members during Saturday’s council elections were unlawful, and an order directing the defendants to pay N2 billion in damages.
READ MORE:Police Disrupt Osun LG Election, Arrest OSSIEC Officials, Seal Head Office
According to the lawsuit, the defendants’ actions were not justified, particularly in relation to the “peaceful, free, and fair election” conducted by OSSIEC on February 22, 2025.
The commission is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from further arresting, detaining, or taking any steps that could hamper the fundamental rights of OSSIEC staff.
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