Kwara PDP senatorial candidate, other sue Police, APC over alleged arrest

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kwara South senatorial district, Hon. Prince Saheed Olamilekan Popoolaha, and the leader of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, have approached the Federal High Court in Ilorin over alleged unlawful arrest, detention and threats of further detention.

The duo filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking judicial intervention over the circumstances surrounding their arrest and subsequent interactions with the police.

According to court documents, Popoolaha and Awoyale alleged that they were arrested and detained at the Nigeria Police Force’s ‘D’ Division in Adewole, Ilorin, on October 15, 2026, following a petition reportedly filed by the APC.

The petition allegedly accused the two political figures of inciting members of the public against the government through comments about the security situation in the state.

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However, the applicants maintained that their remarks were intended to criticise the security challenges facing the state rather than incite the public. They also alleged that some video clips shown to them by the police differed from the materials described in the petition.

The court documents indicated that the applicants were released on bail after making statements to the police.

Popoolaha and Awoyale further alleged that on October 22, 2026, they were informed that the petition had been forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, who directed that it be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

They claimed that they were subsequently asked to report to the police authorities on October 23, 2026, prompting concerns about possible re-arrest and further detention. They said these concerns led them to seek the court’s protection.

Applicants seek ₦50m in damages

In their application, the applicants are asking the Federal High Court to declare that their alleged arrest and detention violated their fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty and freedom of movement, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

They are also seeking an order restraining the respondents from taking further action in connection with the matter in a manner that would unlawfully infringe on their constitutionally protected rights.

Additionally, Popoolaha and Awoyale are demanding ₦50 million in damages over the alleged violation of their fundamental rights.

The applicants have asked the court to examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention and determine whether their constitutional rights were violated.