Two leaders from the Okuama community in Ughelli South, Delta State, have filed lawsuits against the Nigerian Army and the State Security Services, SSS, for alleged illegal detention and violation of their fundamental rights. James Oghorokor and Dennis Okugbaye are demanding a total of N200 million in damages, with each suing for N100 million.
The suits, filed in the Federal High Court in Warri, challenge their arrest by military officials last month and ongoing detention without trial or legal access.
According to their lawyers, Malcolm Omirhobo and Akpokona Omafuaire, the leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, and others, were arrested by military personnel between 18th and 20th August 2024 without due process and have been held in undisclosed locations since then.
In their suits, numbered FHC/WR/CS/84/2024 and FHC/WR/CS/85/2024, the plaintiffs argue that their homes were invaded without due process, and their continued detention is unlawful.
They are seeking a court declaration that these actions are “illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional,” stressing that their fundamental rights to personal liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement have been violated.
Their lawyers also request the court to compel the immediate release of the detained leaders and to issue a perpetual injunction against further violations of their rights.
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