Arrest and detention
Unlawful detention suit
An unlawful detention suit in Nigeria enforces the right to personal liberty: a lawyer applies to the High Court for release, declarations and compensation for the time wrongly spent in custody.
Fundamental rights enforcement for unlawful detention, as a separately agreed litigation engagement.
Is someone being held right now?
Call the firm first, day or night. A lawyer will tell you what to do straight away, and you can send the details below as well.
Call now: +234 814 321 2579A fundamental rights enforcement suit for a person detained unlawfully or beyond the time the law allows, seeking release, compensation and the orders the facts support. The fee is agreed with you after assessment.
- Assessment of whether the detention breached the person's rights
- Fundamental rights application prepared and filed
- Release, compensation and the orders the facts support sought
Professional Fees: Discussed Following Consultation
Contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored fee proposal.
Any CAC, registry, court or notary fees are separate and are explained before you pay.
Quoted after assessment
This is general information, not legal advice.
This service is arranged through a consultation.
Common questions
What is a fundamental rights enforcement suit?
An application to the High Court under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules for breach of a right in the Constitution, here the right to personal liberty under section 35. The court can order release, declare the detention unlawful, award damages and order an apology.
Is there a time limit for bringing the suit?
The Rules provide that an application to enforce a fundamental right is not affected by any limitation statute, and the courts treat such applications as urgent. Acting early still helps, because the evidence is fresher.
What do I need to bring?
Dates and places of the arrest and detention, the names of the officers or agency involved, any paperwork you were given, the names of witnesses, and any medical or other evidence of what happened in custody.
This is general information, not legal advice.