Ghanaian Awarded $751K For False Imprisonment

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Ghanaian man who came to The Bahamas on vacation but ended up detained by immigration officials for almost seven years has been awarded $751,900 in damages.

Joseph Amihere arrived as a visitor on September 25, 2010.

Police arrested him two days later and detained him five days at the Central Police Station.

Then, the police unlawfully sent Amihere to the Carmichael Road Detention Center.

He remained there until May 16, 2017 until a Supreme Court judge ordered his release.
Amihere sued for false imprisonment, assault and battery and a breach of his constitutional rights.

During his detention, Amihere was subjected to beatings by officers, who taunted him and told him to go back to Africa.

The government admitted liability after fighting the case for three years and seven months.

Justice Camille Darville-Gomez awarded Amihere $551,200 in general damages, $50,000 assault and battery, $700 in special damages, $100,000 for exemplary damages, and $50,000 for aggravated damages amounting to $751,900.