The Federal High Court in Warri has received a lawsuit against the Nigerian army filed by residents of Okuama-Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, demanding N200 billion in damages. The residents allege various violations including the cordoning of their community, destruction of homes, dehumanization, and an accusation of killing 17 military personnel without proper police investigations.
The applicants, comprising mainly farmers, traders, and businessmen, are seeking to uphold their fundamental human rights to a fair hearing, dignity of the human person, private and family life, freedom of movement, choice of residency, and right to own property. Among them are Victor Akemor, Madam Omotiwori Olarehor, Victor Odi, Okrika Emmanuel, Austin Eferemua, Evelyn Edjekola, Pa James Ubredu, David Oghenewede, Lucky Orode, Iwriogbo Best, Felix Orhiunu, Bernard Michael, Oghenekobiruo, Vero Joseph, Ebikawe Emmanuel, Francis Uphurie, and Hon Belvis Adogbo.
The reliefs sought include:
- Declaration that the respondent’s actions, including media trial and sentencing of the applicants without proper investigation, are violations of their rights.
- Declaration that the respondent’s deployment of troops and subsequent attacks on the community without due process are unconstitutional.
- Declaration that the cordoning-off of the community and restriction of residents’ movement violate their freedom and rights to residency.
- Declaration that the destruction of properties and seizure of land without compensation are unlawful.
- Compensation of N200 billion for damages suffered.
- General and exemplary damages against the respondent for abuse of power and oppression.
The Nigerian army has seven days to respond to the claims, after which the court will schedule a hearing.
