Lawyer files N1b suit over anti-protest stance

Lawyer and human rights activist, Olukoya Ogungbeje, has instituted a fundamental right enforcement suit against the Federal Government and security agencies over alleged move to stop the proposed ‘hunger protest’, scheduled to hold between August 1 and 10.

Ogungbeje, in his suit marked No FHC/L/CS/1350/2024, listed National Security Adviser (NSA); Chief of Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff; Nigerian Army; the Inspector General of Police (IGP); Nigeria Police Force (NPF); State Security Service (SSS) otherwise referred to as Department of State Security Service (DSS) and Director General, State Security Service, as second to nine respondents.

The suit is brought pursuant to Sections 33, 36, 38, 39, 40 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Order 1 and XI Rules 1 and 2 of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009 and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

He said he was suing for himself and other patriotic Nigerian citizens planning to embark on peaceful protests for good governance in Nigeria.

He is praying the court for “a declaration that the planned forceful disruption, dispersing and deprivation of the applicant and other Nigerian citizens rights to peaceful assembly and association, including rights to peaceful protests for good governance and reforms.