A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has directed Sunday Dominic to pay the Department of State Services (DSS) N5 million as punitive costs for filing what the court described as a frivolous human rights suit against the agency.

Dominic had brought a case, marked FCT/HC/CV/3984/2024, alleging that the DSS invited him for questioning and threatened arrest over suspected fraudulent activities, actions he claimed violated his fundamental rights.

He sought a declaratory order affirming breaches of his right to life, dignity, and personal liberty, and requested compensation of N10 million.

In his ruling, Justice A. Y. Shafa found that Dominic failed to establish any infringement of his rights after considering the evidence, the DSS defence, and accompanying counter-affidavits.

The judge described the suit as “frivolous and without merit” and ordered the payment of N5 million to the service.

A senior legal practitioner welcomed the judgment, emphasising that it reinforces the operational authority of security agencies in Nigeria.

“This ruling reinforces the principle that security agencies have a critical role to play, and they must be allowed to carry out their duties without unnecessary interference,” he said.

He added, “If security operatives cannot invite suspects or witnesses for inquiries, their ability to deliver on national security and enforce the law would be severely compromised. The court’s decision sends a clear message discouraging frivolous litigations against security agencies, which could otherwise hinder their operations and impede justice.”