A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday postponed a N2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Caretaker Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government, Bayelsa, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, to November 28. The adjournment followed a request by Okodeh’s lawyer, Asmau Yunusa, who asked for more time to respond to a counter-affidavit submitted by Mimi Ayua, representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.
The case, filed on May 3 by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, names the CDS and Chief of Army Staff (CAS) Taoreed Lagbaja as respondents. Okodeh claims his rights were violated after his photograph was falsely published among those wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State. He is seeking N2 billion in damages and a public apology.
During Thursday’s hearing, Yunusa noted she had just received the CDS’s counter-affidavit and needed time to respond, while the CAS was not represented. Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case, encouraged the parties to settle the matter amicably, stating it was not worth taxpayer resources. She set the next hearing for November 28 and ordered the CAS to be notified.
In his affidavit, Okodeh said the publication had damaged his political career, forced him into hiding, and led him to withdraw as a candidate in the April 11 local elections. He also requested the court to prevent the CDS and CAS from arresting him and to issue a public apology clearing his name.
