By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
A traditional ruler in Enugu State, Igwe Godwin Ndubueze Madu, is to defend a N2 billion suit filed against him by Mr Cyril Uochukwu Ezedozie over alleged unlawful detention at the Enugu Correctional Centre for 13 days.
Ezedozie, through his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tagbo Ike, instituted the suit at the Enugu State High Court, alleging that the traditional ruler maliciously caused a four-count charge to be brought against him at an Enugu Chief Magistrate’s Court on June 5, 2025.
The claimant alleged that the charges, which included conspiracy to commit felony, cyberstalking and defamation, were instituted without probable cause.
He further claimed that following the charges, he was arrested, handcuffed and detained in a poorly ventilated cell under what he described as “sub-human conditions.”
According to him, the charges were allegedly instigated by Igwe Madu, the traditional ruler of Enugu Achi Umumba Autonomous Community in Oji River Local Government Area of the state.
Ezedozie stated in his supporting affidavit that a review of the case file by the Office of the Attorney-General revealed that the evidence contained therein was insufficient to sustain a charge of cyberstalking against him.
He said the court subsequently struck out the case.
The claimant further alleged that his 13-day incarceration caused him considerable inconvenience, anxiety, financial losses and psychological distress, while also damaging his credit and reputation.
Consequently, Ezedozie is demanding N2 billion as general and exemplary damages, as well as a full-page apology published in a national newspaper.
The suit, dated August 24, 2026, was filed at the Enugu State High Court Registry.
No date has yet been fixed for the mention and hearing of the matter.
