Court gavel
Federal High Court in Abuja has deferred judgment in a N550 million fundamental rights abuse suit filed against the Nigerian Army and seven others.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case until July 14 for hearing after the respondent’s counsel, Mr. Chris Agbeti, applied for an extension of time to file his client’s defense.
Agbeti cited newspaper publications as the reason for his application, and the plaintiff’s counsel did not object, citing the need for fair hearing.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the application, vacating the judgment slated for July 3.
“I hereby vacate the judgment to be delivered today for the matter to be heard in its merit. Matter is adjourned until July 14 for hearing,” she ruled.
The suit was filed by Mr. Ambrose Akhigbe, an Assistant Director at Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos, who alleged that the respondents brutally assaulted and threatened his life. Akhigbe is seeking N550 million in damages for the alleged rights abuse.
Akhigbe claimed that the respondents, particularly the 5th to 8th respondents, beat him up and nearly killed him for allegedly making videos of inhumane punishments meted out to some SSS 3 girls.
He is asking the court to declare that the actions of the respondents amounted to a gross violation of his right to respect of his personal dignity and right to life.
