Former Ondo Lawmaker Sues Police for ₦50 Million Over Alleged Unlawful Arrest During Primary Election

A former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Ayodeji Arowele, has filed a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force, alleging that his constitutional rights were violated during his arrest ahead of a political party primary last month.

Arowele, who contested the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency on May 16, 2026, claims he was taken into custody by police officers only hours before voting began. In the suit filed through his counsel, Chief Kunle Ijalana, the former lawmaker is seeking ₦50 million in damages, arguing that the police action was an unconstitutional abuse of power.

The legal action stems from an incident where Arowele alleges that approximately 30 police officers invaded his hotel room in Owo without a warrant. He contends that the operation, led by specific officers under the directive of the Inspector-General’s office, resulted in his physical brutalization and the assault of his security detail.

According to the petition, Arowele was detained for six hours before being released on bail, with instructions to report to Abuja after the primary election. He further claims that he has been subjected to multiple invitations and ongoing threats of arrest regarding the same allegation by various police formations, which he characterizes as a form of double jeopardy and harassment.

In his suit, Arowele is asking the court to declare the invasion of his private quarters and his subsequent detention illegal, citing infringements on his rights to personal liberty, privacy, and human dignity. He is also seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the police from further arresting or intimidating him in connection with the ongoing investigation.