As reported earlier, Baba Suwe and his counsel had dragged the NDLEA to court, suing for N100M damages for the unlawful detention of the actor which led to public humiliation. The order was given this morning Thursday, November 24, 2011 by presiding judge Justice Yetunde Idowu who cited that the detention of Baba Suwe by the NDLEA ‘was not justified’.
‘The actions of the NDLEA constitute a flagrant abuse and infringement of fundamental rights of the applicant’, Justice Idowu said. She also added, ‘the compensation awarded should reflect the extent of which the applicant’s dignity was damaged’.
In addition to the sum of money ordered to be paid, Justice Idowu also ordered the law enforcement agency to publish a statement of apology in two widely read Nigerian newspapers. The choice of newspapers is to be agreed by both counsels.
‘It is our hope that this judgement sends a large message to other law enforcement agencies’, Chief counsel to Baba Suwe, Bamidele Aturu said. The NDLEA counsel T.E Asuquo acknowledged the judgement. ‘As your lordship wishes’, she said.
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