Controversial Nigerian singer Naira Marley, whose real name is Abdulazeez Fashola, and Lagos socialite Samson Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, have taken legal action against the Magistrate and Police following their detention.
They were accused of physically assaulting the late singer Mohbad and were remanded by the police. Now, Naira Marley and Sam Larry have filed a fundamental rights lawsuit over their extended detention.
The lawsuit was submitted to the Federal High Court in Lagos, with the police and magistrate as defendants. It’s important to note that Lagos magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun had ordered their remand in custody for 21 days.
In their lawsuit, both Naira Marley and Sam Larry are seeking N20 million each in damages.
The legal action has generated discussions, with some supporting their move and others mentioning that they were initially accused of murder, which led to their detention.
The law allows individuals to claim damages for illegal detention if their rights are violated, and the court ultimately decides whether to grant them bail.
Shubomi Fashola, Naira Marley’s sister, had previously expressed frustration about her brother’s ongoing detention. She felt he was being held to appease social media pressure.
To recap, a Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos, remanded Naira Marley and Sam Larry on allegations of bullying the late former Marlian Music signee, Mohbad. Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun had ruled for a 21-day remand rather than the 30 days requested by the Lagos State Police Command.