AKRON, Ohio — Attorney Imokhai Okolo says concerns over police use of force in Akron are being directly challenged, emphasizing that the Okolo Law Firm is making it clear such actions will not be accepted.
“We’re showing the city that we will be fighting back against the police violence,” said Okolo.
Regarding his client, Terrell Battles, Okolo said he remains in good spirits despite suffering a broken nose. Okolo alleges Officer Warren Spragg punched Battles several times in the face during a traffic stop in June 2024.
Okolo said the city of Akron has now agreed to pay Battles $24,000 after he filed a civil lawsuit against both the city and Spragg.
Okolo argued that Battles was subjected to excessive force, had not broken any laws, and followed the officer’s instructions while riding as a passenger that day.
“He is happy that this weight is sort of lifted off of his shoulders, and he’s hopeful that this can help push us closer to police accountability,” said Okolo.
An Akron spokesperson sent the following statement to News 5:
“The City can confirm that a settlement has been reached in this matter and that the case has now been dismissed. This settlement reflects a compromise and is not an admission of wrongdoing by any party. We believe it was a reasonable decision made in the best financial interest of the City under the advice of legal counsel. We take use-of-force concerns seriously. As part of that commitment, we’ve engaged the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct an independent review of policies and practices. That review is nearing completion, and we expect to share recommendations and next steps soon.”
Meantime, Independent Police Auditor Anthony Finnell, who reviews police use-of-force cases with the Akron Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, said he is waiting for the mayor, police chief, and city council members to review and respond to his recommendations.
His proposals include improved de-escalation techniques, policy reviews and enforcement, along with remedial training or possible disciplinary action against Spragg.
“Some general training and performance recommendations but then specific recommendations related to Officer Spragg’s actions,” said Finnell.
Finnell said the board first reviewed his report on the incident in February 2025, voted to accept his recommendations, and moved them forward to the city for a response.
However, Finnell said he was told to wait until the lawsuit concluded, so he resubmitted the original documentation and report to the city.
“Now, we start that 45-day timeclock for when the city has to respond to our recommendations,” said Finnell.
Battles was not available for an interview on Wednesday, but officials said he is pleased to see the accountability.
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