Buhari regime slammed by the court, N20 billion fine for the illegal raid of Igboho’s house

An Oyo division of the Federal High Court has ordered the State Security Service (SSS) to pay N20 billion to Yoruba agitator Sunday “Igboho” Adeyemo for invading his house without a warrant on July 1.

Justice Ladiran Akintola gave the order on Friday following the suit filed by Mr. Igboho’s counsel, Yomi Alliyu, challenging the invasion on July 1 by SSS operatives.

Mr. Igboho had demanded N500 billion for the illegal invasion and citing an infringement on his fundamental human rights by SSS as part of his prayers.

The three respondents are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, as the first respondent, SSS as the second respondent, and the director of SSS in Oyo state as the third respondent.

The court dismissed an application filed by Mr. Malami challenging its jurisdiction to hear the suit against the federal government, Sahara Reporters reported.

The judge, Mr. Akintola, cited several judgments by the Supreme and Appeal Courts in respect of the ability of the State High Court to hear such cases.

Mr. Akintola said the invasion violated Mr. Igboho’s fundamental human rights as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Noting the court could not award N500 billion as requested by the applicant, Mr. Akintola, however, restrained the respondent from arresting or harassing the applicant.

“He has the right to his free movement as contained in section 35.1 (a)(b) of the 1999 constitution as amended,” the judge said.