Calabar, Nigeria – A Cameroonian legislator, Manghe Romeo Etta, has dragged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to a Cross River State High Court, alleging unlawful arrest, detention, and violation of his fundamental rights.
The youth senator, who represents Manyu Division in Cameroon’s National Assembly, is seeking N200 million in damages over his ordeal in Ikom, Cross River State.
Court filings reveal that the dispute began after Etta purchased a BMW X1 from a car dealer in Ikom and completed all necessary documentation, including registration and transfer of ownership.
Despite presenting proof of ownership, Etta claims the police impounded the vehicle, labeled it stolen, and arrested him at the behest of the dealer, Mr. Ebi Denis Ebi, and a woman identified as Mengot Gift Achugah. He alleged he was detained for approximately 12 hours under poor conditions, fell ill, and was forced to pay N150,000 for his release while his vehicle was held at the Ikom Divisional Police Station.
Repeated attempts to retrieve the car, Etta claims, were unsuccessful despite providing valid ownership documents.
His lawyer, Armstrong Takim Achu, described the suit as seeking redress for “clear violations” of fundamental rights, emphasizing that “the court remains the last hope of the common man.”
The case, Suit No. HC/146F/2025, is before Justice Theresa Agom of the Cross River State High Court, who adjourned proceedings to February 10, 2026, directing all parties to be present.
In response, the Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, ASP Sunday Akata, said he had yet to receive full details of the case from the Ikom Divisional Police Officer and would provide a statement once briefed.
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