The Ekujumi family has filed a lawsuit against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its Ondo State Commander, seeking judicial intervention for the release of Mrs. Modupe (Dupe) Ekujumi, who has been detained since December 10, 2025. This legal action follows the arrest of her husband, Julius Ekujumi, on February 18, 2026, who has also been held in detention.
In a press statement released on February 23, 2026, Tope Temokun, Principal Counsel at Tope Temokun Chambers, announced that the family has approached the Federal High Court in Akure for the enforcement of Mrs. Ekujumi’s fundamental rights. The lawsuit argues that her continued detention without arraignment violates Sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The family’s legal team expressed frustration over the NDLEA’s failure to charge Mrs. Ekujumi and instead resorting to public relations efforts to justify her detention. The court action seeks several remedies, including:
- A declaration that the arrest and prolonged detention of Mrs. Ekujumi are illegal and unconstitutional.
- An order for her immediate and unconditional release.
- A perpetual injunction to prevent further harassment or unlawful detention.
- Exemplary damages amounting to ₦100,000,000 for the gross violation of her constitutional rights.
The case raises significant constitutional questions regarding the powers of security agencies, including whether they can detain citizens indefinitely without charge, hold spouses while searching for another individual, and use criticism of authority as a basis for criminal persecution.
Temokun emphasized that if such practices are permitted, no Nigerian citizen is safe. The Ekujumi family intends to pursue every lawful remedy until justice is achieved.
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