The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and its chairman, Barr. Hashim Abioye, have filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police over alleged violations of fundamental human rights.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Osogbo under case number FHC/Os/CS/41/2025, was initiated on behalf of all OSSIEC employees and ad-hoc staff. The plaintiffs are challenging what they describe as illegal arrest and detention, unlawful sealing of the commission’s premises, threats of further arrest, and the seizure of OSSIEC’s property.
As part of their demands, OSSIEC and its chairman are seeking ₦2 billion in damages from the defendants. They are also requesting an order for the immediate reopening of the commission’s office, the release of arrested staff, and an injunction preventing further interference with their rights to liberty, private life, and property as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
The legal action follows the police’s decision to seal off OSSIEC’s headquarters a day before the February 22, 2025, local government elections in Osun State, a move that prevented electoral officials from carrying out their duties.
