The Ogwashi-Uku High Court has granted a restraining order stopping the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and six other parties from arresting businessman Benson Okafor and seven other individuals.
The order followed an application filed by the applicants through their counsel, Barrister Benjamin Okoh, in which they alleged persistent harassment, intimidation and unlawful attempts to arrest them. The court ruled that the restraining order would remain in force pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Justice Flora Azinge, who is handling the case, ordered that all relevant parties, including the IGP and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, be formally served through the Delta State Commissioner of Police. While interim injunctions usually require the respondents to be put on notice, the court approved substituted service in order to fast-track the process.
The applicants are asking the court to protect their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The matter has been adjourned until February 2, 2026, when the court will continue hearing the substantive issues raised in the suit.
