Court Bars Police from Arresting, Harassing Senator Oyewumi Over Alleged Political Intimidation

The High Court of Justice, Osun State, sitting in the Ikire Judicial Division, has restrained the Nigerian Police Force from further arresting, harassing, inviting or threatening the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Senator Kamorudeen Olalere Oyewumi, describing such actions as unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental rights.

The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice J. O. Owolawi in Suit No. HRE/M.15/2026 on June 23, 2026, followed a fundamental rights enforcement application filed by the Senator through his counsel, I. T. Tewogbade.

The court held that the alleged persistent threats of arrest, repeated police invitations and intimidation directed at the lawmaker contravened the rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as well as Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

According to the applicant, there were credible indications that political opponents were using security agencies to intimidate, harass and frustrate his political activities in Osun State.

Justice Owolawi observed that despite being served with the court processes and hearing notices, the respondents—including the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, and the Nigerian Police Force—failed to file any counter-affidavit challenging the allegations.

The court consequently held that the facts contained in the applicant’s affidavit remained uncontroverted and were therefore deemed admitted in law.

Ruling in favour of Senator Oyewumi, the court declared that the continuous acts of intimidation, repeated invitations and threats of arrest against him were unlawful, unconstitutional and amounted to an infringement of his fundamental rights.

Justice Owolawi also granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Nigerian Police Force, its officers, agents and privies from further arresting, harassing, detaining, inviting or in any way interfering with the Senator’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Media Unit, Office of the Senate Deputy Minority Leader, which described the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and the protection of constitutional rights.