The two Leadership Newspapers journalists, detained by the Nigerian police for a story about the presidency, have sued the police demanding N10 million damages.
Leadership Newspapers reports that Group News Editor, Tony Amoekedo; and correspondent, Chibuzo Ukaibe; are suing the Inspector General of Police for breach of trust.
The media house said its counsel, Ugo Udoji, filed the suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where the journalists sought for enforcement of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed under Section 34, 35 and 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria enforceable under Section 46 of the said constitution and articles 4, 5, 6, articles 9 (2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement Act). It also asks that the order operates as a stay against further arrest and detention of the applicants.
The statement by the media house also confirms the release of the duo, adding that they were asked to report at the Force Headquarters daily for further investigation.
They were detained alongside two others at the Force Headquarters following a story the newspaper published on a “presidential directive” to attack key opposition political parties’ leaders.
While Chinyere Fred-Adegbulugbe, former editor of the LEADERSHIP Sunday, now executive director, human capital; and Chuks Ohuegbe, Managing Editor, were released late Monday night, Messrs Amoekedo and Ukaibe were released earlier this evening.
