Two of the six leaders of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, who were arrested by military officials last month, have taken legal action against the Nigerian Army and the State Security Services (SSS), seeking N200 million in damages.
The detained leaders, James Oghorokor and Dennis Okugbaye, filed separate fundamental rights lawsuits at the Federal High Court in Warri, challenging their arrest and continued detention without trial.
The two men, through their legal team led by Malcolm Omirhobo and Akpokona Omafuaire, are demanding N100 million each as compensation for what they describe as illegal and unconstitutional actions by the military and the SSS.
Their legal suits, referenced as Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024 and Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/85/2024, respectively, also seek a declaration from the court that the invasion of their homes and subsequent detention violated their fundamental rights to personal liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement.
Oghorokor and Okugbaye, along with four others—Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata—were arrested by military personnel between August 18 and 20, 2024, and have been held in undisclosed locations since then.
The plaintiffs allege that they have been denied access to legal representation and contact with their families, which they argue is a clear breach of their constitutional rights.
In their originating summons, the applicants are asking the court to declare that their arrest without a warrant and the refusal to charge them to court since their detention are illegal and unconstitutional.
They are also requesting the court to enforce their rights to personal liberty, private and family life, human dignity, and freedom of movement.
Additionally, they are seeking an order for their immediate and unconditional release from detention and a perpetual injunction to prevent the Nigerian Army, the SSS, and their agents from further infringing on their rights.
The plaintiffs are demanding N100 million each in damages for the violations they have suffered.
The court is yet to set a date for hearing the cases. The Nigerian Army and SSS have not yet responded to the lawsuits.
