Student Gets N37m Compensation 1 Year After 'Mistake' Arrest

A college student, Elizabeth Daly, who was wrongly arrested has become about N37 million ($212,500) richer after reaching a settlement with the state of Virginia.

According to a report, the settlement was Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced the settlement with Daly on Wednesday night.

Daly had filed a $40 million federal lawsuit against agents with the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control following  her April 23 'mistake' arrest by undercover policemen who thought the carton of bottled water she  bought was beer.

In her lawsuit, Daly said the identification badges on the necks of the officers that swarmed around her car to effect an arrest was not visible.

She added that the officers, who were not in uniform, failed to identify themselves before demanding that she open the window of her Sports Utility Vehicle.

One of the officers allegedly tried to break into the car with a flashlight while another brought out a gun.

After the incident, the police arrested Daly on charges of eluding arrest and assaulting a police officer with her SUV but the charges were dropped following a public outcry.

Nobody Is Guilty

Hering however stated that reaching a settlement with Daly should not be interpreted as the acceptance of guilt by any of the parties involved in the lawsuit.

"My goal throughout this case has been to reach a resolution that is just and fair for all parties, including Ms. Daly, the ABC and its agents, and the Commonwealth and its taxpayers," Herring said.

"After careful consideration of the potentially significant costs of taking this case to trial, I believe we have reached such an outcome."