JUDGMENT IN SUIT NO: E/37/2022 BETWEEN EGWUATU STEPHEN (SUING THROUGH HIS LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE EGWUATU CHUKWUKA) V STATE SECURITY SERVICE.
Recall that on the 8th day of November, 2021, Idara Gold was arrested alongside the younger siblings of Mazi Egwuatu Chuks, amongst whom was his 12years old brother- Egwuatu Stephen.
Notwithstanding the fact that the young boy Stephen was released on the 11th day of November, 2021, we knew that it was absolutely imperative that the State Security Service (SSS), are held accountable for the period he was unjustly detained. Consequently, on the 28th January, 2022, we commenced a fundamental rights enforcement action before the Enugu State High Court on behalf of Egwuatu Stephen, in Suit No: E/37/2022.
Today, the 4th day of July, 2023, the Honourable Court Per Justice C.O. Ajah, delivered judgement in the said Suit. The court held that the arrest and detention of Egwuatu Stephen from the 8th Day of November to 9th Day of November 2021, before obtaining an order of court to detain him, is unlawful.
The court consequently awarded the sum of ₦5 million naira only as damages against the State Security Service.
The court further directed the State Security Service (DSS) to tender public apology to Egwuatu Stephen in one National daily or radio station.
I immensely appreciate the hardwork and commitment of my Colleagues in Chambers, who worked assiduously, while braving all the attendant risks, to ensure that this victory was secured.
Be rest assured UmuChineke, that we are doing everything within our powers and legally permissible, to ensure that all those being unlawfully detained, get the deserved justice and are released unconditionally.
Thank you and may God bless you all.
We move!
Signed:
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
IPOB's Lead Counsel
4th July, 2023.
