Police Defy Court Judgment, Harass Orlando CEO in Civil Dispute Turned Criminal – Victim Cries for Justice
…Says IGP-SIU Operatives Violated Court Order, Engaged in Unlawful Arrest and Intimidation| Blissful Affairs Online
In a case that raises serious questions about disregard for judicial authority and abuse of police power, 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 judgment in a civil matter by orchestrating his unlawful arrest, harassment, and continued intimidation.
Mr. Orlando stated 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 seller, who acknowledged the terms of payment—₦15 million initially, with the balance paid off in August 2024.
Trouble began when Barrister George sought a refund through a civil lawsuit, claiming he had withdrawn interest in the property. The court ruled on the matter, and Orlando says he complied with the judgment by initiating a refund process through his lawyer.
Despite the legal resolution, Orlando alleges that the matter was unlawfully escalated into a criminal case by the IGP-SIU, acting on what he describes as a “baseless petition.” On July 21, 2025, IGP-SIU officers reportedly stormed his office with an arrest warrant, denied him access to legal counsel, and detained him without 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 explanation that the issue had been adjudicated and was being resolved legally, he claims the officers insisted on payment or jail time. Suffering from a serious illness at the time, he pleaded for time but was detained at Asokoro Police Division for three days without access to legal representation.
“I was only released after issuing a post-dated cheque under duress, with my sister standing as surety,” he said.
The harassment allegedly continued post-release. Orlando claims that same night, officers contacted his sister at midnight, demanding ₦2 million in bail-related payments. Before any response could be made, police allegedly stormed his office, forcibly removed four vehicles, and demanded a full declaration of his assets.
“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 emphasized that his legal team has filed a fundamental rights enforcement action and a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission. However, he says the pressure and harassment have continued unabated.
He appealed directly 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 said.
Orlando stressed that the issue is a civil matter that has been settled in court and urged authorities to rein in rogue officers turning a debt recovery issue into a criminal 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.PSC ORLANDO Orlando Complaint to PSC. Document 92
As public concern mounts, legal experts and human rights advocates are calling for an immediate, impartial investigation into the conduct of the IGP-SIU operatives and urging the Nigeria Police Force to uphold constitutional protections and judicial authority.
