A Lagos-based contractor, Mr Yusuf Tasleem, has filed a lawsuit against his wife, Aisha Mohammed Sani, alleging her involvement in the unlawful arrest and detention of his father, Mr Shettima Fasasi Yusuf, over an alleged false accusation of child abduction.
The suit, filed at the High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, lists the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, the Area Commander of Lion Building, Lagos, and Aisha as respondents.
According to the filing, the police, acting on Aisha’s instruction, arrested and detained Tasleem’s father for three days, subjecting him to torture, despite an ongoing divorce and custody case at the Upper Area Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.
In an affidavit, Tasleem stated that his marriage began deteriorating after his wife distanced herself emotionally and neglected their three children: Khalid (10), Mohammed (8), and Hauwa (5). He claimed he supported his wife’s education up to a master’s degree and secured her employment, but she later abandoned her matrimonial and parental duties, leaving the children to fend for themselves.
Tasleem recounted an incident where the children nearly caused a fire while attempting to cook in their mother’s absence. After attempts to address her behaviour through family and religious channels failed, he moved the children to his father’s home in Lokoja, where they were enrolled in school.
On October 12, 2024, officers from the Lion Building Area Command, accompanied by Aisha, allegedly raided the school, dehumanised Tasleem’s father, and detained him in Lagos for three days.
Tasleem seeks a court declaration that the police raid, detention, and alleged abduction of his children were unlawful. He has also requested an order restraining further harassment by the respondents and demands N100 million in damages for the trauma caused.
A hearing date for the case is yet to be set.
