Jigawa Court Orders N10m Compensation, Public Apology for Man Detained 10 Years Without Trial

A High Court sitting in Jigawa State has ordered the immediate release of a man who was detained for 10 years without trial, describing his incarceration as a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.

The court awarded the sum of ₦10 million as compensation for unlawful detention and further directed the relevant authorities to issue a public apology to the victim.

Delivering judgment on the fundamental rights enforcement suit, the presiding judge held that the prolonged detention of the applicant without being charged to court or tried contravened provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The court faulted the actions of security agencies involved, stressing that no citizen should be deprived of liberty without due process of law. It ruled that detention without trial for such an extended period amounted to abuse of power and a miscarriage of justice.

According to court records, the applicant was arrested over a decade ago and remained in custody without formal charges, arraignment, or trial throughout the period. Despite repeated demands by his legal representatives, he was neither granted bail nor brought before a competent court.

In addition to the monetary compensation, the court ordered the respondents to publish a public apology in a national newspaper, acknowledging the violation of the applicant’s rights.

Human rights advocates have welcomed the judgment, describing it as a strong reminder to law enforcement agencies of the need to respect the rule of law and uphold constitutional safeguards.

The ruling is expected to reignite conversations around unlawful detention, prison congestion, and accountability of security agencies across the country.