…Says IGP-SIU Operatives Violated Court Order, Engaged in Unlawful Arrest and Intimidation
In a case that raises critical questions on disregard for judicial authority and abuse of police energy, Mr. Henry Orlando, Chief Executive Officer of Orlando Global Concept Nigeria Ltd., has accused operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Investigation Unit (IGP-SIU) of infringing on a subsisting court docket judgment in a civil matter by orchestrating his illegal arrest, harassment, and continued intimidation.
Mr. Orlando said that the dispute arose from a 2023 transaction between himself and Barrister George Adeyemi Damilare, involving a 1,000-square-meter plot in Jikwoyi, Abuja, valued at ₦26.5 million. According to him, the deal was legally executed and verified by the vendor, who acknowledged the phrases of cost—₦15 million initially, with the steadiness paid off in August 2024.
Trouble started when Barrister George sought a refund via a civil lawsuit, claiming he had withdrawn curiosity within the property. The court docket dominated on the matter, and Orlando says he complied with the judgment by initiating a refund course of via his lawyer.
Despite the authorized decision, Orlando alleges that the matter was unlawfully escalated right into a felony case by the IGP-SIU, appearing on what he describes as a “baseless petition.” On July 21, 2025, IGP-SIU officers reportedly stormed his workplace with an arrest warrant, denied him entry to authorized counsel, and detained him with out clearly stating his offense.
“At the station, I was shown a petition from the same individual whose case had already been decided in court. I was forced to write a statement without a lawyer present and threatened with imprisonment if I failed to make immediate payment,” Orlando recounted.
Despite his clarification that the problem had been adjudicated and was being resolved legally, he claims the officers insisted on cost or jail time. Suffering from a critical sickness on the time, he pleaded for time however was detained at Asokoro Police Division for 3 days with out entry to authorized illustration.
“I was only released after issuing a post-dated cheque under duress, with my sister standing as surety,” he mentioned.
The harassment allegedly continued post-release. Orlando claims that very same evening, officers contacted his sister at midnight, demanding ₦2 million in bail-related funds. Before any response might be made, police allegedly stormed his workplace, forcibly eliminated 4 automobiles, and demanded a full declaration of his belongings.
“They have turned a civil dispute into a full-blown campaign of intimidation. They trail me, call at odd hours, threaten me and my family, and have even sent defamatory letters to my sister’s workplace, damaging her professional reputation,” he lamented.
Orlando emphasised that his authorized group has filed a elementary rights enforcement motion and a proper criticism with the Police Service Commission. However, he says the strain and harassment have continued unabated.
He appealed on to the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society to intervene.
“I do not believe the IGP—whom I hold in high regard—would endorse this misuse of power. His name is being used to justify actions that clearly violate the rule of law and the rights of citizens,” he mentioned.
Orlando confused that the problem is a civil matter that has been settled in court docket and urged authorities to rein in rogue officers turning a debt restoration concern right into a felony persecution.
“This is not just unlawful—it is in total contempt of court and a threat to the sanctity of justice. I’m calling on all relevant authorities and the Nigerian public to rise in defense of human rights and due process,” he concluded.
As public concern mounts, authorized consultants and human rights advocates are calling for a direct, neutral investigation into the conduct of the IGP-SIU operatives and urging the Nigeria Police Force to uphold constitutional protections and judicial authority.
