Rivers State-based human rights activist, Onengiya Erekosima, has dragged the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged use of security operatives to harass and intimidate him.

The minister issued alongside the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as first and second defendants respectively by the plaintiff, who accused them of threatening his life and violating his fundamental human rights.

Erekosima, who is the founder and President of Foundation for Peace and Non-violence in Nigeria, is demanding the sum of N200 million jointly and severally against Amaechi and the Inspector General of Police as damages/compensation for the breach of his fundamental rights as enshrined under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended).

The activist also prayed for a declaration that Amaechi tagged him a terrorist without recourse to any due process of law infringed upon his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, dignity of human person, freedom of movement, freedom from discrimination and right to private and family life.

The applicant is also seeking an order of injunction restraining the respondents, their servants, agents, officers and men from further harassing, molesting, intimidating and threatening him in any manner howsoever that is likely to breach or threaten the breach of his fundamental rights under Chapter IV of the 1999.

When the matter came up on Monday, applicant’s counsel, Samuel Nwosu, said the fundamental rights enforcement suit was ripe for hearing, having been served on the respondents. But Amaechi’s lawyer, Bolaji Oyun, pleaded with the court for time to put his house in order and to regularise his counter affidavit.

Wisdom Madaki, who stood for the Inspector General of Police informed the court he was ready to adopt his preliminary objection to the suit.

Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, granted the request for adjustment and fixed March 9 for hearing.