Having found merit in the application, the court awarded N3,000,000 against the respondents as general and/or exemplary damages for the infringement of Gabriel’s fundamental rights.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the arrest and prolonged detention of popular TikToker, Timothy Gabriel, also known as “Tumma,” by the Nigeria Police Force unlawful, unconstitutional and a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.
In a judgment delivered on June 23, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite Egwuatu of the Federal High Court awarded N3,000,000 in general and exemplary damages against the police over Gabriel’s arrest and detention by officers, men and agents of the respondents on February 6, 2025.
Gabriel had approached the court through his lawyer, Dr. S. M. Oyeghe, seeking redress under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, after he was arrested and held by the police for what the court described as an excessive and unlawful period.
The court, while resolving the sole issue for determination in favour of the applicant, held that the detention of Gabriel for 48 days amounted to inhumane and degrading treatment, and was a clear breach of his constitutional rights.
