A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of a N2 billion fundamental rights lawsuit filed by Mr. Lucky Okodeh, former Caretaker Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa.
The case, filed on May 3 by Mr. Femi Falana SAN, accusing the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja of wrongful publication of Okodeh’s photograph in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State, was adjourned until November 28.
Okodeh, represented by lawyer Asmau Yunusa, filed the suit claiming his rights to personal liberty and dignity were violated. He seeks N2 billion in damages and an apology for the damage to his political career. The case follows the March murder of 17 army officers in Okuama, Delta, after which Okodeh’s image was mistakenly included in the wanted list, despite his name not being on the official list.
The adjournment came after an oral request from Okodeh’s lawyer, Asmau Yunusa, who needed more time to respond to a counter affidavit submitted by Gen. Christopher Musa.
READ ALSO :Delta killings: Troops occupy Okuama, raze more buildings
During the hearing, Yunusa mentioned that the 2nd respondent, Taoreed Lagbaja, was not present in court. Justice Binta Nyako encouraged both parties to resolve the issue amicably, suggesting that such matters should not waste taxpayer funds. The judge then adjourned the case, ordering the 2nd respondent to be served with a hearing notice.
Okodeh, a PDP chairmanship candidate for the April 11 LG elections, claims the erroneous listing forced him to withdraw from the race and go into hiding. His lawyers argued that the action damaged his reputation and political career, causing undue distress. The court has ordered further proceedings on November 28, with the second respondent yet to be served.
Credible News.ng
