Nigerian Businessman Seeks N50 Million in Lawsuit Against NDLEA for Unlawful Detention
A Nigerian businessman, Damilare Samuel, also known as Na God, has filed a lawsuit seeking N50 million in damages against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Represented by his attorney, Bayo Onifade, Samuel alleges that he has been held in NDLEA custody since September 25, 2024, without any formal charges being brought against him.
In his legal action, Samuel is demanding the court to declare his arrest and ongoing detention as “unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.” He is also requesting an immediate release from custody and financial compensation for the damages incurred due to what he describes as unlawful arrest and detention.
Samuel’s attorney argues that the NDLEA’s actions are unjustified, asserting that his client has not committed any offenses. He claims the agency is attempting to link Samuel to substances suspected to be cannabis that were discovered on September 4, 2023, at a drug hideout on Imoru Street, Akala Mushin, Lagos. Samuel maintains he is a businessman involved in automobile sales and hire purchase.
In a supporting affidavit, which was submitted by Babatunde Adelakun on behalf of Samuel, it was stated that Samuel is unable to personally depose the affidavit due to his detention, but he has authorized Adelakun to do so. The affidavit recounts how, on September 4, 2023, NDLEA officials raided a location linked to drug activity and subsequently broke into Samuel’s own residence where they reportedly found no incriminating evidence.
The affidavit further details that four other individuals were arrested during the raid, while NDLEA operatives allegedly confiscated personal items from Samuel’s home, including framed photographs, company documents, and vehicle keys. Concerningly, Samuel learned later that the NDLEA had publicly posted images suggesting a connection between his belongings and the cannabis found at the earlier bust, falsely implying his involvement.
Following this, his legal representatives sent a protest letter to the NDLEA, asserting Samuel’s innocence and expressing his willingness to cooperate. However, Samuel was arrested at his bank in Ijebu Ode on September 25, 2024, and despite further correspondence from his lawyer to the NDLEA’s leadership, little action was taken.
The case is now under the consideration of Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, who has scheduled a hearing for November 25 to examine the merits of Samuel’s suit against the agency.
Join our Channel...