Lawyer Demands Immediate Release Of Detained Woman, Accuses Police Of Debt Recovery Role

By Chuks Eke

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent human rights lawyer, has sparked a firestorm of controversy by publicly calling for Mrs. Joy Smart Chinenye’s immediate and unconditional release, who is currently detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Ejiofor has also demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her arrest, accusing the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of overstepping its authority and acting as a debt recovery agency, which is expressly prohibited by law.

Mrs. Chinenye was arrested at her Lagos home on Friday by officers from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, sparking an outcry. According to Ejiofor, her husband, George Obinna Smart Unaegbu, a serving police officer, allegedly ordered the arrest to recover a debt he claims she owes him.

Ejiofor issued a strongly worded press statement via WhatsApp, addressed directly to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission (PSC), calling for immediate and decisive action.

“The Nigeria Police must not be unscrupulously used as a tool for settling private disputes, especially on a day meant to honour mothers,” he said, referring to Mrs. Chinenye’s arrest on Mothering Sunday.

“This is especially egregious given that the highest echelon of the Police Authority has sternly warned and prohibited its personnel from engaging in such ignoble acts that tarnish the institution’s reputation.”

The lawyer emphasised that the NPF is not legally authorised to act as a debt collection agency. He cited Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Act, which outlines the NPF’s duties, as well as several landmark court cases, such as Kure v Commissioner of Police (2020) LPELR-49378(SC) and Madaki & Anor V GTB & Anor (2022) LPELR-57419(CA), which reinforce the principle that the police cannot be used to settle private financial disputes.

“A devastating account of police brutality,” says Ejiofor.

Ejiofor’s statement paints a bleak picture of Mrs. Chinenye’s alleged ordeal. He described the events that led to her detention as a “devastating account of police brutality.”

“On a day globally recognised as Mothering Sunday, a mother of three was unjustly detained rather than celebrating motherhood,”

Ejiofor said. “On March 28, 2025, acting on a petition from her legally married husband, personnel from the Monitoring Unit of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja arrested, brutalised, tortured, and detained her for alleged unpaid debt.”

Mrs. Chinenye’s husband, according to the lawyer, provided her with funds for forex trading that she allegedly could not repay. Instead of pursuing civil action, he allegedly asked the police to intervene.

“Officers stormed their Lagos home, forcibly arrested her in front of their children, and detained her at FCID Annex, Panti,” Ejiofor said. “She was coerced into sending N5 million to her husband’s account.”

When she refused to pay an additional N10 million, she was forcibly transported to Abuja and held at the notorious abattoir detention facility, which is known for housing hardened criminals.”

Her husband allegedly relocated their children and took possession of her personal belongings while she was away, which reportedly exacerbated the situation. Ejiofor condemned the action as a clear violation of police directives and a prioritisation of personal financial interests over the NPF’s constitutional mandate.

Ejiofor specifically referred to the Nigeria Police Service Commission (NPSC), led by Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (RTD), and the Inspector General of Police, citing clear directives prohibiting officers from filing complaints about land disputes, arrests by proxy, and debt recovery. He urged the IGP and the PSC to strictly enforce these directives and hold those responsible for Mrs. Chinenye’s arrest accountable .

“Officers involved in this case blatantly disregarded these directives,” Ejiofor stated, adding that legal action is being considered in addition to publicising the case.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many echoing Ejiofor’s concerns about potential abuse of power within the police force, as well as the need for increased oversight and accountability. Mrs. Chinenye’s release and a thorough investigation into the allegations of police misconduct are hot topics on social media.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement regarding Mrs. Chinenye’s arrest or the allegations made by Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor. Attempts to contact the Force Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful.

The case is still unfolding, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between the police and the public, as well as the enforcement of civil liberties throughout the country.

The public is awaiting a response from the IGP and the PSC, hoping for prompt and decisive action to address the allegations and ensure justice is served.