Court Orders Release Of Man Detained For 8 Years Without Trial, Awards Damages Against Police Commissioner

The High Court of Lagos State, sitting in Ikeja and presided over by Hon. Justice Adenike K. Shonubi, has ordered the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Sewedo Folorunsho, who was unlawfully detained for eight years without trial.

Delivering judgment on October 22, 2025, Justice Shonubi also awarded ₦500,000 in damages against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for violating the applicant’s fundamental rights.

Folorunsho, represented by the law firm of Monday O. Ubani, SAN & Co., had filed an application to enforce his fundamental human rights after being held without charge since his arrest in 2012 over an alleged murder. He was later arraigned on a holding charge before the Ebute Metta Magistrate Court in 2017, but no formal information was ever filed before the High Court to initiate trial.

In her ruling, Justice Shonubi condemned the prolonged detention as a “flagrant breach of constitutional rights,” particularly the rights to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, and fair hearing. The Court therefore ordered his immediate release from the correctional facility.

Reacting to the judgment, Monday O. Ubani, SAN, commended the Court’s courage and adherence to the rule of law. His associate, Mr. Iwowo Anthony, who argued the case, described the verdict as “a victory for justice and the sanctity of human liberty.”

Human rights advocates have since praised the decision as a strong reminder that no arm of government is above the law and that the protection of citizens’ rights must remain paramount.

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