A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday has adjourned a₦2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Mr Lucky Okodeh, a former Caretaker Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa until November 28.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the case following an oral application by Okodeh’s counsel, Asmau Yunusa to enable her to respond to a counter affidavit filed by Mimi Ayua, lawyer to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.
In the suit dated and filed on May 3 human rights activists, Femi Falana (SAN) had sued the CDS Musa and Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, as first and second respondents.
The applicant is accusing the defendants of allegedly publishing his photograph among those wanted in connection to the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama in Delta.
He, therefore, prayed the court to award a ₦2 billion in damages against the respondents for alleged violation of his rights to personal liberty and dignity.
The applicant also prayed the court to set aside his declaration and award the fine as compensation for damages suffered over the action of the Defence Headquarters Abuja.
Recall that on March 14, 17 officers of the Nigerian Army were murdered by unknown persons in Okuama in Delta, causing the Defence Headquarters Abuja to declare 8 persons wanted.
Other prayers sought in the suit include an order of perpetual injunction restraining the CDS and CAS from arresting him as he is a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria who had never had any criminal record right from childhood.
He equally prayed the court to order the respondents to tender an apology which should be published on both print and electronic media, so that he could have his freedom to live his normal life.
