NDLEA sued for N50m over alleged illegal detention of businessman

A Nigerian businessman, Damilare Samuel, also known as “Na God,” has filed a N50 million lawsuit against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The lawsuit is for allegedly detaining Damilare unlawfully since September 25, 2024, without any charges.

Represented by his lawyer, Bayo Onifade, Samuel argues that his prolonged detention without charges violates his constitutional rights.

He has requested the court to declare his detention illegal, order his immediate release, and grant him N50 million in damages for his unlawful arrest and ongoing detention.

Samuel’s case contends that the NDLEA has tried to associate him with cannabis discovered at a location in Lagos on September 4, 2023.

He maintains his innocence, stating he is a legitimate businessman involved in automobile sales and hire-purchase, with no connection to the alleged drugs.

In an affidavit supporting the lawsuit, sworn by Babatunde Adelakun on Samuel’s behalf, it’s stated that NDLEA operatives raided Samuel’s residence on the same day they discovered cannabis at another location.

Although nothing illegal was found at his home, the operatives seized various personal and business items.

They include vehicle keys, framed pictures, and company documents.

According to the affidavit, the NDLEA later posted photos of Samuel’s framed pictures next to bags of cannabis on its website.

This implying he was connected to the drugs.

In response, Samuel’s legal team, through a letter dated October 26, 2023, asserted his innocence and willingness to cooperate with the agency to clear his name.

However, despite several attempts to resolve the matter, Samuel was arrested nearly a year later at a bank in Ijebu Ode.

Following his arrest, his lawyer reached out to the NDLEA Chairman.

During a visit on October 10, 2024, Samuel reiterated his innocence, stating that he had documented these facts in his official statement to the agency.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa has scheduled a hearing on the case for November 25, 2024.