Sixty three suspects who were arrested and detained during the search for the kidnappers of Okonjo Iweala’s mother have filled a N3 billion suit against the Nigerian Army for illegal arrest and detention. Also joined in the suit filled before an Asaba High Court is the Attorney-General of the Federation, Justice Mohammed Adoke.
The suspects arrested hail from Oza-Nogogo, Alisor and Omumu communities, all in Agbor.
Speaking to Ika weekly correspondent, one of the plaintiffs, Frank Izekor and a native of Alisor who is a councillorship aspirant in ward three said the brutality melted on them was unbearable and can even make one accept that he or she knows the whereabouts of the then kidnapped woman.
According to him, “we are seeking among other reliefs N3 billion only, being general damages against the respondents for unlawful detention, torture, inconvenience, psychological trauma, loss of self esteem, loss of property and for the violation of the applicants’ fundamental rights to personal liberty and the dignity of the human person, guaranteed by section 35 and 34 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended,” he stated.
Speaking further, Mr. Izekor said he is disappointed in the action of Nigerian Army, disclosing that the motion filled by their counsel at the first sitting on 17th of December, 2013 was that the soldiers who made the arrest are yet to be known and that they are not under the employment of the Nigerian Army.
He stated that, he keeps wondering why a respected institution like the Nigeria Army could deny their officers, explaining that same officer who came with not more two hundred army Hilux Van and a truck carried them to four Brigade Military Barracks in GRA Benin-City, Edo State and detained them.
Mr. Izekor concluded by asking Nigeria Army if they are training fake soldiers that are allowed into the barrack.
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