Driver Sues Nigerian Senator Over Alleged ‘Illegal Detention’

A former driver has filed a lawsuit against Nigerian senator Titus Zam (APC- Benue North-West), accusing him of orchestrating his illegal detention. Oliver Abele, who is also the senator’s nephew, has been held by police since June 18 following a complaint by Senator Zam.

Abele’s legal team, represented by Matthias Ikyav and Hellen Gbor of MAL Ikyav & Co, has submitted a suit to the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit demands N100 million in damages for the alleged violation of Abele’s fundamental rights. The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the divisional police officer for Galadima police post, Gwarinpa, are named as the first and second respondents, while Senator Zam is the third respondent.

The suit also seeks public apologies from all three respondents and N1.5 million to cover the cost of the legal proceedings. James Akatu, a relative of Abele, provided an affidavit in support of the suit. According to the affidavit, Abele had worked for the senator for approximately six years, beginning before Zam’s tenure in the National Assembly.

In 2023, Abele introduced a contact to Zam who sold a used Range Rover SUV to the senator for N4 million. However, the vehicle’s engine failed shortly after the purchase, prompting the senator to replace it, only for the new engine to also become faulty. The car was subsequently abandoned at Zam’s residence in Makurdi, Benue State.

After leaving the senator’s employment, Abele requested financial support from his uncle in February 2024 to start a business. In response, Zam gave him the Range Rover along with its paperwork, instructing him to repair and sell the vehicle. Abele repaired and sold the car for N2.8 million plus another vehicle but invested the proceeds in a farming business without Zam’s consent.

Senator Zam lodged a criminal complaint against Abele, leading to his arrest on June 18, 2024, and subsequent detention. Despite numerous attempts, Abele has been unable to secure bail.

The court has yet to schedule a hearing for the case. Senator Zam, who chairs the Senate’s Business and Rules Committee, was elected in the 2023 general elections, defeating former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom.