Edward Uchekwo V. Nigeria Police Force & ANOR; Justice for Late Andrew Ochekwo.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite, on 6th March 2026, delivered a judgment in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1114/2025, (Edward Uchekwo V. Nigeria Police Force & Police Service Commission) in favour of the Applicant in a fundamental rights enforcement action arising from the death of Late Mr. Andrew Ochekwu while in police custody.
Full Judgment & Record in Edward Uchekwo V. NPF & PSC
The Court found that the arrest, detention, torture, and eventual death of the deceased constituted grave violations of his fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Full Judgment & Record in Edward Uchekwo V. NPF & PSC
In a detailed judgment, the Court held that:
- The death of the deceased in custody amounted to a violation of his right to life;
- His prolonged detention without arraignment was unlawful;
- The treatment meted out to him constituted torture and inhuman treatment;
- His right to fair hearing was violated.
Full Judgment & Record in Edward Uchekwo V. NPF & PSC
The Court consequently made several orders, including:
- The immediate release of the deceased’s body to his family for burial;
- The return of seized personal belongings;
- Publication of public apologies;
- Payment of compensatory damages of One Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000.00);
- Institution of disciplinary measures against officers involved.
This judgment represents a significant reaffirmation of the constitutional duty of law enforcement agencies to uphold and protect the rights of persons in custody.
Full Judgment & Record in Edward Uchekwo V. NPF & PSC
Onyekachi Umah, FCIArb(Uk), for the counsel to the Applicant and the family of Andrew Ochekwo, stated that the decision of the court underscores the principle that no authority is above the Constitution and that violations of fundamental rights will attract judicial sanction. The Nigeria Police Force is yet to comply with the judgment of the court.
Full Judgment & Record in Edward Uchekwo V. NPF & PSC
It is noted that the arrest, detention and death of Late Mr. Andrew Ochekwu while in police custody was publicized and awash social media platforms. Late Mr. Andrew Ochekwu was never charged to court for any crime. There is no known official report of the Nigeria Police Force on its proposed investigation on his death; hence, the culprits may still be serving police officers. Investigations were ordered on 10th June 2024 by the then Inspector General of Police: Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
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