A five-year-old girl has become the youngest plaintiff in a N50 million fundamental rights suit filed against the Area Commander of Area D Police Command, Lagos, the Nigeria Police Force, and three other individuals over alleged unlawful detention.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, was brought on the child’s behalf by her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Goodness Apollos, who is acting as her next friend.

According to court filings, the child was allegedly removed from her home and detained without a court order, where she spent three days in police custody. Mrs. Apollos described the treatment as degrading and inhuman, alleging that the girl was forced to sleep on a bare floor.

In response, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa ordered the Area Commander and other respondents to produce the child in court at the next hearing, set to show cause why interim orders should not be granted.

The respondents named in the suit include:

Area Commander, Area D Police Command, Lagos – Mr. Bamidele Awoniyi

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State

Nigeria Police Force

Two private individuals – Mr. Chinedu Chigozie and Mr. Kelvin Orwaraji

The applicant is seeking:

Immediate return of the child to her grandmother pending the substantive hearing

Declaration that the police actions violated her fundamental rights

Perpetual injunction restraining further interference

Public written apology

N50 million in damages, plus 10% post-judgment interest and costs

The suit relies on provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Child’s Rights Act, arguing that matters involving minors should fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Family Court.

The substantive hearing is scheduled for November 24, 2025, as the court continues to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the child’s detention.

The case has sparked national attention, raising critical questions about police powers, child protection, and adherence to the law in Lagos State.