SUNTV Global Channel | January 17, 2026 | Lagos
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has accused the Lagos State Police Command of grave abuse of power, alleging illegal arrest, torture, intimidation, and the unlawful criminalisation of a civil investment dispute involving a Lagos-based businessman.
In a strongly worded petition dated January 16, 2026, RULAAC called on the Lagos State Police Command to urgently investigate the alleged actions of officers attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, over the arrest and detention of Mr. William Eze, a director of Homes 4U Ltd.
The petition, signed by RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the police actions as a blatant violation of constitutional rights and an abuse of law enforcement powers for private interest.
Dispute Rooted in Investment Agreement
According to RULAAC, the case originated from an investment agreement entered into in January 2025 between Homes 4U Ltd and a private investor. Under the agreement, the investor reportedly committed ₦20 million for a 24-month term and an additional ₦12 million for a three-month term.
RULAAC disclosed that the company paid a total Return on Investment (RoI) of ₦9 million over nine months before defaulting, allegedly due to unforeseen business challenges.
“From the facts presented to us, this dispute is purely civil and contractual in nature,” RULAAC stated, stressing that there were no allegations of fraud, stealing, or any criminal offence that would justify police intervention.
Alleged Abuse, Detention, and Coercion
Despite the civil nature of the disagreement, RULAAC alleged that the complainant resorted to using the police to enforce the contract, leading to the arrest and detention of Mr. Eze.
The group claimed that Eze was detained for more than four days without bail, charge, or remand order, during which he was allegedly coerced into signing an undertaking forfeiting his company’s business premises as a condition for his release.
RULAAC further alleged that, acting on the undertaking and without any court order, the complainant—assisted by a mobile police officer allegedly on illegal duty—invaded the company’s salon, assaulted staff, confiscated properties, and forcefully took over the premises.
“There are ongoing threats to dispose of the company’s equipment and furniture. If true, these actions amount to extra-judicial enforcement and self-help, facilitated by police officers acting outside lawful authority,” the petition stated.
Wife Allegedly Detained as ‘Hostage’
Of even greater concern, RULAAC accused the police of arresting and detaining Mr. Eze’s wife, who was not a party to the investment transaction and against whom no criminal allegation was made.
According to the petition, she was allegedly forced to co-sign a bail bond and later detained solely because of her status as a surety, in a bid to compel her husband’s appearance at SCID Panti.
RULAAC described the action as coercion and hostage-taking, noting that officers allegedly informed Mr. Eze that his wife would remain in detention indefinitely until he reported to the police.
“This practice is unknown to Nigerian law and has no legal justification,” the group said.
Alleged Intimidation of Legal Counsel
The rights group also raised alarm over alleged intimidation and unprofessional conduct by police officers toward Mr. Eze’s legal counsel.
RULAAC alleged that the Investigating Police Officer, Supol Edobor, verbally abused the lawyer, allegedly calling him “mumu,” and issued threats to “deal with” him—conduct that reportedly discouraged the lawyer from physically attending the station.
Such actions, RULAAC warned, undermine the right to legal representation and violate professional policing standards.
The group named Supol Edobor and SP Owolabi as officers currently handling the case.
Legal Violations Cited
RULAAC emphasised that under Nigerian law:
- A surety’s obligation is civil, not criminal;
- A surety cannot be arrested or detained in place of a suspect;
- Detaining third parties as leverage amounts to collective punishment or hostage-taking;
- Threats and intimidation of legal counsel violate the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Police Act, 2020.
The organisation also revealed that a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit (FHC/L/CS/51/26) has been filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, challenging the actions of the police. Despite this, RULAAC alleged that the raid on the business premises and the arrest of Mr. Eze’s wife still took place.
Call for Accountability
RULAAC urged the Lagos State Police Command to clarify:
- The legal basis for the arrest and continued detention of Mr. Eze’s wife;
- Whether she has been charged with any recognised criminal offence;
- The authority under which police officers enforced a private undertaking and took over business premises without a court order;
- The Command’s response to allegations of threats, intimidation, and misconduct by officers involved.
The group warned that if established, the actions violate Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the ACJA, the Police Act, 2020, and settled judicial authorities prohibiting the use of police for debt recovery or enforcement of private contracts.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command has not publicly responded to RULAAC’s petition.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as events unfold.
