Okuama killings: Court adjourns N2bn suit against Nigerian army

On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned an N2 billion basic rights enforcement suit filed by Mr Lucky Okodeh, a former Caretaker Chairman of Bayelsa State’s Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, until November 28.

Justice Binta Nyako deferred the case following an oral appeal by Okodeh’s attorney, Asmau Yunusa, to allow her to react to a counter-affidavit submitted by Mimi Ayua, lawyer to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

Okodeh sued the CDS Musa and Chief of Army Staff (CAS) Taoreed Lagbaja as the first and second respondents in the suit  FHC/ABJ/CS/590/2024, which was filed on May 3 by Mr Femi Falana, SAN.

The applicant accuses the defendants of allegedly publicizing his image among individuals wanted in connection with the massacre of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta.

As a result, he requested that the court award N2 billion in damages against the respondents for claimed violations of his rights to personal liberty and dignity.

The petitioner further requested that the court set aside his declaration and issue the fine as compensation for damages caused by the Defence Headquarters Abuja’s suit.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Yunusa, who represented the petitioner, informed the court that the case was scheduled for mention.

She stated that she had received a rebuttal affidavit from the first respondent (CDS) on Wednesday and would require little time to react.

She stated that the second respondent (Lagbaja) was not represented in court.

Justice Nyako, on the other hand, advised the CDS’s lawyers, Mimi Ayua and Yunusa, that the matter is one that the parties can work out peacefully.

Justice Nyako then postponed the case until November 28 for further proceedings.

Also Read:

Hardship: Tinubu, Your reforms are not working – Bauchi gov

Lagos will pay workers N85,000 as Minimum wage — Sanwo-Olu

NASU, SSANU fume over inauguration of re-negotiation committee by FG

cc: Daily Post Ng