A Cameroonian lawmaker, Manghe Romeo Etta, has dragged the Nigeria Police Force before the High Court of Cross River State over alleged unlawful arrest, detention and extortion, demanding ₦200 million in damages.
Etta, a youth senator representing Manyu Division in the National Assembly of the Republic of Cameroon, alleged that officers of the Nigeria Police in Ikom, Cross River State, violated his fundamental human rights following his purchase of a BMW X1 vehicle.
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According to court documents, the lawmaker said he lawfully bought the vehicle from a car dealer in Ikom and complied with all statutory requirements, including registration and transfer of ownership.
However, despite presenting valid documents to prove ownership, he claimed the police impounded the vehicle on allegations that it was stolen.
Etta further alleged that his arrest and detention were instigated by the car dealer and another individual over what he described as a purely commercial transaction.
“I was arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police over a transaction I lawfully carried out. Despite presenting all vehicle particulars, the police refused to release my car or return the documents,” he stated.
The lawmaker claimed he was detained for about 12 hours in an uninhabitable environment, during which he vomited repeatedly.
He also alleged that he was compelled to pay ₦150,000 to secure bail, while his vehicle was towed and detained at the Divisional Police Station in Ikom.
His counsel, Armstrong Takim Achu of Armstrong T. Achu & Co., Calabar, said the suit was filed to seek redress for the alleged abuse of his client’s fundamental rights.
“My client is seeking damages for the violation of his fundamental rights by officers of the Nigeria Police. The court remains the last hope of the common man,” Achu said.
The suit, marked HC/146F/2025, is before Justice Theresa Agom of the Cross River State High Court. The court adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026, for hearing and ordered all parties to be present.
Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Cross River State, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said he was yet to receive full briefing on the case.
“I will reach out once I get full details from the Divisional Police Officer in Ikom. I will get back to you after I am fully briefed,” he said.
The case is expected to attract public interest, as it raises concerns over police conduct and accountability in Nigeria.
