Journalist Sues Abia Government, Police for ₦5 Million Over Alleged Assault and Rights Violation

A journalist based in Abia State, Charity Uwakwe, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court, Umuahia, demanding ₦5 million in damages from the Abia State Government, Nigerian Police, and key government functionaries over alleged detention, assault, and degrading treatment she experienced during her journalistic duties.

The legal action, instituted on June 13, 2025, through her counsel, Denniseon Emeka Agu, a human rights lawyer based in Umuahia, arises from an incident on June 30, 2023, when Uwakwe was reportedly unlawfully detained for over three hours, physically assaulted, intimidated, and publicly humiliated by Mrs. Oluchi Franklin, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs.

The suit was filed via Originating Summons pursuant to Sections 34(1), 35(1), 36(1), 39, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and Articles 4, 5, and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Respondents Named in the Suit Include:

• Oluchi Franklin, PRO of the Ministry of Women Affairs
• The Abia State Government
• The Attorney-General of Abia State
• The Nigeria Police Force
• The Commissioner of Police, Abia State

Reliefs Sought by the Journalist Include:

1. Declarations that her unlawful detention, assault, verbal abuse, and humiliation violate her constitutional and human rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of expression.
2. A declaration that demanding a bribe before processing her police complaint constitutes denial of access to justice.
3. An order compelling investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violations, especially Mrs. Franklin.
4. ₦5 million in general and exemplary damages jointly and severally from all respondents.
5. An injunction restraining Mrs. Franklin and other officials from further harassment or threats against her.
6. A public apology to be published in The Guardian and The Punch newspapers.

Uwakwe, who describes herself as a journalist engaged in investigative reporting in the public interest, said she was at the Ministry of Women Affairs to inquire about a public project when the incident occurred. According to her, Mrs. Franklin verbally abused her, called her a “roadside/mushroom journalist”, and refused to provide official information.

Following the incident, she reported the matter at the Central Police Station, Umuahia, but claims that officers under state authority demanded a bribe before taking any action, effectively denying her justice.

Her lawyer, Denniseon Agu, argues that the treatment meted out to Uwakwe represents a clear breach of her rights under both Nigerian constitutional law and international human rights instruments ratified by Nigeria.

Legal and civil rights observers are closely watching the case, which could set a significant precedent on press freedom, citizen dignity, and public accountability in Abia State and beyond.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing in the coming weeks.