APC CANDIDATE FILES N1 BILLION LAWSUIT AGAINST WIDOW, POLICE OFFICER OVER ALLEGED UNLAWFUL DETENTION
Valentine Oyemike, a politician and House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Edo State elections, has filed a N1 billion fundamental human rights suit against a widow, Esther Osaghae, and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Femi Adelogba.
Filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/341/2025), the case centres around the alleged unlawful detention of two staff members of Oyemike’s company—Tracy Owiku and Cyprian Saamoyal—linked to the controversial death of Fidelis Osaghae, the widow’s husband.
Fidelis Osaghae, who managed the Auchi branch of Valchi VFK Oriental Services Limited, was found dead in July 2024, with an autopsy suggesting suicide by chemical poisoning. However, this report was rejected by the widow and civil society groups, citing suspicious injuries and inadequate police handling.
Oyemike claims the police investigation, led by ASP Adelogba, was biased and aimed at discrediting him politically and professionally. He alleges his staff were coerced into giving false statements and unlawfully detained despite medical concerns.
Through his legal team, Oyemike is seeking:
- A declaration of rights violations.
- N1 billion in damages for reputational harm and harassment.
- A public apology in two national dailies.
- An injunction against further interference by the widow and the police.
As of press time, the defendants are yet to respond to the suit.
