A federal high court judge in Abuja Binta Nyako, has advised a former caretaker chair of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State Lucky Okodeh, to consider an out-of-court settlement with the Nigerian Army.
Okodeh is suing the Army for including his photograph among those declared wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State. He has named the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as the first and second respondents in his suit, seeking N2 billion in damages for the alleged violation of his rights to personal liberty and dignity.
During Thursday’s court session, Asmau Yunusa, counsel for Okodeh, informed the court that she received the CDS’s counter affidavit the day prior and required additional time to file her response. She also noted that the COAS was not represented in court.
Addressing both parties, Judge Nyako emphasized the importance of resolving the matter amicably, stating, “It is not what we should waste the taxpayers’ money on.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until November 28 for further mention.
The case stems from a tragic incident on March 14, when 17 Nigerian Army officers were killed during an operation in the Okuama community of Delta State. In response, President Bola Tinubu and military leaders promised that those responsible would be brought to justice. The fallen soldiers were laid to rest in a military cemetery in Abuja, with posthumous national honors conferred by the president, who also offered scholarships to their children.
Following the incident, the Defence Headquarters declared eight individuals wanted in connection with the killings, including Okodeh, whose photo was mistakenly identified as “Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono” on the wanted list alongside others.
