Nnamdi Kanu files N100bn suit against FG over continued detention

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed an N100 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Federal Government over his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu is seeking his immediate release from the facility of the DSS and payment of N100 billion reparation for the violation of his rights to liberty and dignity of human person.

Kanu said the suit became necessary following the continued failure of the Federal Government to obey the judgment of the Court of Appeal, delivered on October 13, which discharged him of the terrorism charge brought against him.

The originating court process, filed by Mike Ozekhome, SAN, on behalf of Kanu and dated October 21, has the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1945/2022.

Kanu said the suit was predicated on provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

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“By virtue of Section 46(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Order 1 Rule 2(1) of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, any person who alleges that any of the Provisions of Chapter 4 of the constitution to which he is entitled to, has been, is being or is likely to be contravened in any state in relation to him, may apply to the High Court in the State for redress,” he stated.

By the suit, Kanu wants a declaration that his continued detention by the government from October 13 till date, is illegal, unlawful, oppressive, unconscionable, and unconstitutional.

“It violates my fundamental rights to dignity of human persons, personal liberty and right to freedom of movement as guaranteed by sections 34, 35, 36, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution,” the IPOB leader added.

Kanu is also seeking an order directing the respondents to unconditionally release him from their custody forthwith.

The applicant is also praying for an order restraining the respondents from further interfering with his rights or dealing with him in a manner inimical to his fundamental rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

In addition, he is seeking compensatory and exemplary damage of N100 billion against the respondents for the violation of his rights.

The Star