A member of the Delta State House of Assembly, representing Ughelli Constituency 11, Hon. Matthew Onojighofia Omonade, has instituted legal action against the Divisional Police Officers of the Ofuoma Police Division and a complainant over what he described as “unjust harassment” and alleged financial pressure involving clothing items valued at less than ₦20,000.
In a statement titled “Standing Against Injustice: A Matter of Principle,” posted on his official Facebook page, Omonade said he received “a distress call from the relatives of one of my constituents who had been arrested by officers of Ofuoma Police Division and detained for over 24 hours, only to secure her bail after parting with the sum of ₦50,000.”
According to him, the incident stemmed from “a disagreement between her and her former roommate,” in which “the roommate seized her red gown, and in response, my constituent seized the roommate’s bumshort and night gown.” He added that “the combined value of the bumshort and night gown… is not more than ₦20,000.”
Omonade said that after relocating and later returning to Ughelli, the woman was “arrested… over the said clothing items” and detained. “At the station, the complainant produced my constituent’s red gown in the presence of the police. My constituent equally led officers to her residence and surrendered the bumshort and night gown. Curiously, nothing further was said about her red gown, which had already been returned,” he stated.
Despite this, he alleged that “bail was set at ₦50,000,” followed by a condition, “that she must pay ₦100,000 to the complainant or be charged to court.” The amount, he said, “was later reduced to ₦80,000, with a 24-hour ultimatum.”
The lawmaker disclosed that he contacted the Divisional Police Officer of the division, noting that “the conversation left me deeply concerned.” He said he raised “questions regarding due process, legal representation, and the fact that my constituent is being unjustly oppressed. However, the insistence on payment remained.”
“At a time when our nation is grappling with serious security challenges… it is troubling that policing time and resources would be deployed in such a manner over clothing items worth less than ₦20,000,” Omonade said.
He added that he had “instructed my lawyers to institute legal action against both the police authorities involved and the complainant,” adding that “a hearing date has already been assigned.”
While noting that “the complainant has now expressed willingness to withdraw the monetary demand,” Omonade insisted that “this is no longer about ₦80,000. It is about principle. It is about accountability.”
“Let it be clearly stated: we are fully prepared to commit resources far exceeding the amount initially demanded to pursue this matter to its logical and lawful conclusion, even up to the Supreme Court, if necessary. Justice cannot be measured by the value of the items in dispute,” he declared.
Omonade also emphasised his respect for the police institution, stating: “I remain a friend of the Police… I deeply respect the institution and the difficult work they do daily. But friendship does not mean silence in the face of perceived injustice.”
“We will follow this matter through the judicial process… The judiciary remains the proper place for such determinations,” he added, noting that “injustice anywhere should concern all of us.”
