The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission and its chairman, Mr Hashim Abioye, have filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Federal High Court in Osogbo over the alleged illegal detention of the commission?s staff and the sealing of its office.

Also joined in the suit, numbered FHC/OS/CS/41/2025, is the Osun State Commissioner of Police. The plaintiffs are seeking an order restraining the police from further arrests of OSSIEC staff and demanding the release of those currently in detention.

In an originating summons dated February 25, 2025, and signed by their counsel, Maruf Adediran, the plaintiffs argued that the actions of the police violated their fundamental human rights. They urged the court to declare the sealing of their office and the threat of arrests as unlawful.

The plaintiffs are also demanding N2 billion in damages for what they described as a breach of their right to liberty and private life.

Part of the reliefs sought read:

?A declaration that, under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples? Rights, the defendants were not justified in invading and sealing off the plaintiffs? office and threatening to arrest OSSIEC staff in disregard of their rights, particularly in relation to the peaceful, free, and fair election conducted on February 22, 2025.?

The plaintiffs further prayed the court to order the police to immediately vacate the OSSIEC office and release the detained staff. They also sought an injunction restraining the police from further interference with the commission?s operations.

The suit comes amid tensions over the local government elections conducted by OSSIEC on February 22, 2025. (The PUNCH)

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