Umuahia, Abia State — June 30, 2025 | A journalist based in Abia State, Ms. Charity Uwakwe, has taken legal action against the Abia State Government and the Nigeria Police, demanding ₦5 million in compensation for what she describes as a violation of her human rights.
According to a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Umuahia on June 13, 2025, Ms. Uwakwe claims she was forcefully detained, physically assaulted, intimidated, and humiliated on June 30, 2023, while carrying out her duties as a journalist.
The case was filed by her lawyer, human rights advocate Mr. Denniseon Emeka Agu, using a legal process called “Originating Summons.” The suit is based on various sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which guarantee the rights to dignity, liberty, freedom of expression, and fair hearing.
Who She’s Suing:
Ms. Uwakwe is suing:
- Mrs. Oluchi Franklin, a spokesperson for the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs,
- The Abia State Government,
- The Attorney-General of Abia State,
- The Nigeria Police Force, and
- The Abia State Commissioner of Police.
She claims Mrs. Franklin, acting on behalf of the state, detained her for over three hours, insulted and threatened her, and called her a “roadside/mushroom journalist.” She says this happened while she was at the Ministry of Women Affairs investigating a public project.
Her Demands:
Ms. Uwakwe is asking the court to:
- Declare that what happened to her was illegal and violated her rights,
- Recognize that demanding a bribe before her case could be handled by police is a denial of justice,
- Order a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible,
- Prevent the same officials from harassing or attacking her again in the future,
- Direct the government to pay ₦5 million in damages for the emotional and physical pain she suffered,
- And publish a written apology in two national newspapers: The Guardian and The Punch.
She also alleged that when she went to the Central Police Station to report, police officers refused to process her complaint unless she paid them money, which she described as an illegal bribe.
Why It Matters:
Ms. Uwakwe says she was simply doing her job — reporting for the public — and believes that no journalist should be treated this way. She wants the court to protect her rights and send a clear message that freedom of the press and access to justice must be respected in Nigeria.
What Happens Next?
The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing.
