Igboho: FG vows to appeal as court slams N20bn damages on DSS

   Igboho: FG vows to appeal as court slams N20bn damages on DSS

The Federal Government vowed on Friday to appeal a judgment by the High Court in Oyo State directing the Department of State Security (DSS) to pay N20 billion to detained Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo.

The supporters of Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, had exploded in celebration yesterday after the pronouncement by Justice Ladiran Akintola of Oyo State High Court directing the security outfit to pay the said sum for unlawfully invading his Soka, Ibadan house on July 1.

Igboho had sued the AGF, the DSS and the Director of the DSS in Oyo State, demanding ?500 million as special damages for the damage done to his house and his car and another ?500 billion as exemplary and aggravated damages for beaching his fundamental rights.

Two persons were reportedly killed while 12 others were arrested following the raid, but 10 of the people arrested have since been released.

Reacting to the judgment, many supporters of Igboho danced in ecstasy as they sang the Yoruba Nation anthem while some others chanted, “Yoruba Nation, no going back!”

Sheikh Abdul Raheem Aduanigba, the Chief Imam of Yoruba in Ilorin, who also joined Igboho’s supporters to celebrate the judgment said: “What is happening in Nigeria at the moment requires patience. The Yoruba at the moment are showing solidarity for Igboho. When Buhari was going to contest for Presidency, the Yoruba gave him support, but he has failed us.”

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He urged the neighbouring Benin Republic where Igboho was being detained to “take a cue from the judgment, which is a testament that Igboho is law-abiding and did not foment trouble at any rally across the Southwest states.”

The umbrella body of the Yoruba self-determination group, Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO), also asked the DSS to pay the N20 billion damages in the interest of peace.

Led by a renowned historian, Prof Banji Akintoye, the group, in a statement signed by its Communications Secretary, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, expressed appreciation to the judge for re-affirming self-determination as one of the fundamental human rights of the citizens.

“We thank the judiciary for re-affirming that self-determination is one of the fundamental human rights of the citizens that cannot be subjugated.

“Our position is that this verdict symbolises the triumph of light and truth over darkness. Ighoho represents the light and truth, while the Nigerian state stands for illegalities.

“Our position now is that the Nigerian government should be honourable by respecting the verdict of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The N20 billion damages ordered by the court to be paid to Ighoho by the DSS must be paid with immediate effect in the interest of peace,” the group said.

Also reacting to the judgment, a lawyer and the Director of Legal Affairs, Yoruba Koya Leadership and Training Foundation, Barrister Tayo Douglas, said: “What this judgment portends is that citizens’ lives and their rights matter a lot and the government must always do everything to protect and preserve those lives and rights.

“It is awkward to even think that an organ of government, so called DSS, could just decide to storm people’s houses at odd hours to carry out whatsoever operations, leading to maiming, killing and destruction of lives and properties.”

He condemned the attack on Igboho’s residence, saying such an act is not part of a democratic set up.

“That judgment stands to tell the world that the DSS can never constitute itself into an accuser and as well a judge in its own cause.

“There are better and civilised ways to arrest citizens than turning a Gestapo,” Douglas added.

He advised the supporters of the activist to go about their normal duties as citizens, adding that the way forward for Igboho is to face his case and defend himself.

“And where he still believes he has remedies he should also pursue diligently,” he added.

FG will study judgment, appeal, says Malami

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, said yesterday that the federal government was studying the judgment and would appeal it.

His Special Assistant on Media, Dr. Umar Gwandu said the Federal Government would take necessary steps.

“The Federal Government will study the judgment and appeal. All necessary measures will be taken,” he said.

The Department of State Services (DSS) kept mum over the court judgment on Friday.