A Federal High Court in Lagos has barred the police from arresting or questioning popular radio host Chinedu Ani, known as Nedu Wazobia, over an alleged breach of contract.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu issued the order following an application filed by Nedu and five others seeking protection of their fundamental rights.
The court barred the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Alagbon, and other officers from summoning or detaining the applicants in connection with a contract disagreement involving Metropolitan School of Business.
However, the judge did not grant a request to keep the status quo on all transactions between the parties.
Other respondents in the case include Victor Ariyibi-Oke, Mrs. Tolulope Ariyibi-Oke, CSP Ngozi Braide, ASP Stephen Onihane, and Inspector Echeng Julius.
The applicants alongside Nedu include Sarah Williams-Konha, Avalon Okpe, Ada Okpe, Barbara Okwaranobi, and Tokindrumz Pictures and Media Nigeria Ltd.
The dispute arose from a partnership formed in early 2024 for a charity project aimed at funding school fees for underprivileged children.
The applicants said the project involved a fundraising gala, which the respondents agreed to sponsor at over N83 million.
While the event reportedly generated pledges and donations, the respondents later demanded a refund of N60 million.
Following the fallout, the applicants claim they were repeatedly summoned, harassed, and in some cases unlawfully detained, with some passports seized by the police.
They argued the issue was a civil contract matter and should not have led to police involvement.
The applicants asked the court to declare the police actions unlawful and to order the return of their seized passports.
They also sought N2 billion in damages for the alleged violation of their rights.
