Cameroonian Lawmaker Sues Nigerian Police, Seeks ₦200m in Damages

A member of Cameroon’s National Assembly, Manghe Romeo Etta, has filed a lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at the Cross River State High Court over alleged unlawful arrest, detention and violation of his fundamental rights.

Etta, who represents Manyu Division as a youth senator, is demanding ₦200 million in damages following an incident in Ikom, Cross River State.

According to court documents, the lawmaker said the dispute arose after he bought a BMW X1 from a car dealer in Ikom and completed all required documentation, including vehicle registration and transfer of ownership.

Despite presenting the vehicle particulars, Etta alleged that the police impounded the car, declared it stolen and arrested him following complaints by the dealer, Mr Ebi Denis Ebi, and a woman identified as Mengot Gift Achugah.

He told the court that he was detained for about 12 hours under poor conditions, during which his health deteriorated. He also claimed he was forced to pay ₦150,000 to regain his freedom, while the vehicle was towed to the Ikom Divisional Police Station.

Etta further stated that repeated attempts to recover the car failed, even after submitting documents to prove lawful ownership.

His lawyer, Armstrong Takim Achu, said the suit seeks redress for what he described as clear violations of his client’s fundamental rights, stressing that the court remains the appropriate forum for resolving such grievances.

The case, marked HC/146F/2025, is before Justice Theresa Agom of the Cross River State High Court. The judge adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026, and ordered all parties to appear in court.

Reacting to the suit, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Akata, said he had not yet received full details of the case and would comment after being briefed by the Divisional Police Officer in Ikom.