Enugu Monarch Faces ₦2bn Lawsuit Over Alleged Unlawful Detention

An Enugu traditional ruler, Igwe Godwin Ndubueze Madu of Achi Umumba Autonomous Community in Oji River Local Government Area, has been dragged before the Enugu State High Court in a ₦2 billion suit over alleged malicious prosecution and unlawful detention.

The claimant, Cyril Ugochukwu Ezedozie, accused the monarch of orchestrating his arrest and detention for 13 days on charges later dismissed for lack of evidence.

According to the suit filed by his counsel, Tagbo Ike, SAN, Ezedozie alleged that on June 5, 2025, Igwe Madu instigated a four-count charge against him, including conspiracy, cyberstalking, and defamation.

“I was embarrassed, humiliated, handcuffed and thrown into a filthy, poorly ventilated cell under sub-human conditions,” Ezedozie stated in his filing.

The case file was later reviewed by the Office of the Enugu State Attorney General, which found no evidence to sustain the charges.

The High Court subsequently struck out the case.

Reliefs Sought by Claimant₦2bn damages: Exemplary and general damages for psychological trauma, financial loss, and reputational injury.

Public apology: A full-page apology in a national newspaper.The suit, dated August 24, 2026, is yet to be assigned a date for mention and hearing.

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