Two leaders from the Okuama community in Ughelli South Area of Delta State who were detained by military officials last month have taken legal action against the Nigerian Army and the State Security Services (DSS). They are seeking N200 million in damages through two separate fundamental rights suits filed at the Federal High Court in Warri.
James Oghorokor and Dennis Okugbaye, who were among six people arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, are challenging their detention. Their lawyers, Malcolm Omirhobo Esq and Akpokona Omafuaire Esq, filed the suits, alleging that the arrest and detention of the community leaders were unlawful.
Along with Oghorokor and Okugbaye, the detained individuals include Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. They have been held in undisclosed locations without being charged or given access to their lawyers.
In Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, James Oghorokor is demanding N100 million for what he claims was his unlawful arrest and detention. Similarly, in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/85/2024, Dennis Okugbaye is also seeking N100 million for his alleged illegal detention.
The suits argue that the invasion of their homes without proper legal process violated their fundamental rights. The applicants are asking the court to declare that their arrest on August 19, 2024, without a warrant, and the subsequent denial of access to their lawyers and family members are violations of their rights. They also claim their continued detention infringes on their rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.
The applicants are requesting that the court enforce their rights to liberty, privacy, dignity, and freedom of movement. They also seek an immediate release from detention, a permanent injunction to prevent further violations of their rights, and N100 million in damages each from the Nigerian Army and DSS for the alleged breaches of their fundamental rights.
