Enugu Appeal Court Declares 12-Year-Old’s Detention Illegal, Upholds ₦5m Fine Against SSS

The Court of Appeal in Enugu has upheld a previous ruling declaring the arrest and detention of 12-year-old Stephen Egwuatu by the State Security Services (SSS) as unlawful. The appellate court also reaffirmed the ₦5 million fine imposed on the SSS by the Enugu State High Court.

Egwuatu was arrested on November 8, 2021, at the age of 12 and released three days later on November 11, 2021. His case was brought to court by his legal representatives, including Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The Enugu High Court had earlier ruled in favor of Egwuatu, ordering the SSS to pay damages. However, the agency appealed the decision.

In a ruling delivered on March 27, 2025, the Court of Appeal dismissed the SSS’s appeal, describing it as lacking merit. Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri, who delivered the lead judgment, reaffirmed the ₦5 million fine imposed on the security agency.

Ejiofor, reacting to the judgment, described it as a significant victory for justice and fundamental rights. He also assured that steps would be taken to ensure the enforcement of the court’s decision.