Detained social media influencer Terhemba Gyenger has filed a N200 million fundamental rights lawsuit against Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state, the State Government, the state Commissioner of Police, and the Attorney General of the State.
The lawsuit comes after Gyenger’s alleged illegal arrest and detention, prompting broad public discussion.
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Background
Gyenger was arrested by the authorities on August 25, 2023, at his residence in Makurdi’s Gyado Villa.
This followed a Facebook post on August 18, 2023, in which he alleged that the Benue State Governor had misappropriated N2 billion from the N5 billion petrol subsidy provided by the Federal Government for the state’s citizens.
Gyenger’s lawyer, Clement Mue, filed a lawsuit asserting that the Nigerian police’s arrest, harassment, humiliation, and continued detention violate his client’s constitutional rights in a civil matter.
The lawsuit references relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, including sections 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, and 46, as well as Articles 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
Gyenger is seeking a court order to compel compensation of N200 million from the Benue State Governor, Benue State Government, Commissioner of Police (Benue State Command), and the Attorney General of Benue State.
This is in response to his unlawful arrest and ongoing detention, aiming to address damages caused.
He also requests an immediate release from Nigerian Police custody on lenient conditions.
Gyenger additionally desires the respondents to publish an unreserved apology in two national newspapers, addressing the harmful image he has endured in the eyes of the public.
The lawsuit further pleads for a permanent injunction restraining the respondents and their representatives from infringing upon his freedom, encompassing arrest, detention, and harassment.