The residents of Okuama-Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have dragged the Nigerian Army to court, suing them N200 billion, for invading their community, News About Nigeria reports.
The applicants filed the suits against the Nigerian Army at the Federal High Court, Warri, for cordoning off their community, destroying their homes, dehumanising and accusing them of killing 17 military personnel without police investigations.
They prayed the court to enforce their fundamental human rights to a fair hearing, the dignity of the human person, private and family life, freedom of movement, choice of residency, private and family life, and the right to own property.
According to them, they are suing for themselves and public interest of the residents of the Okuama community.
The suit was applied for on Thursday, by the lawyers of the 17 applicants, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo, Akpokona Omafuaire Esq., Seprebofa Oyeghe Esq., O. L. Ofuasia Esq., and Ernest Ogbaga Esq.
They also prayed the court to release an order compelling the respondent, (Nigerian Army), to stop her troop’s continued invasion and occupation of the Okuama community, which will enable the applicants and residents of the Okuama community to take back possession of their land that has been illegally and unlawfully seized and occupied by the respondent to rebuild their community.
“An order of this honourable court for the enforcement of the fundamental rights to the dignity of the human person, right to a fair hearing, right to private and family life, freedom of movement and right of choice of place of residence and right to own property of the Applicants and residents of the Okuama community,” the suit reads in part.
The respondent (the Army), however, has seven days to respond to the claim after proper service, after which the court will fix a date for the hearing of the application.
