Court Orders DSS, Agip to Pay N300 Million Damages for Illegal Detention of Bayelsa Activist
The Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa has delivered a landmark judgment against the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) over the unlawful detention of youth activist, Comrade Collins Opumie, for a period exceeding two years. Presiding Judge Justice Ebiyon Duke Charlie awarded Opumie a significant sum of N300 million in damages.
In the suit marked YHC/324/2022, Justice Charlie declared that Opumie was subjected to forcible imprisonment and thus deserved compensation to the tune of N300 million. The ruling followed Opumie’s claims that he was unlawfully abducted by the DSS in Yenagoa at the behest of NAOC, enduring physical and mental torture before being transported to Abuja without notification to his family or access to medical assistance.
Opumie’s legal action sought redress for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, demanding N9 billion in damages. His prayers to the court included a declaration of his arrest and subsequent detention as constituting false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
Following the judgment, Opumie’s legal counsel, Ebipreye K.V. Sese Esq., expressed satisfaction with the ruling, highlighting the significance of the court’s recognition of Opumie’s rights and the compensation awarded. Sese emphasized the role of the judiciary in upholding justice and commended the court’s decision as a victory for Opumie and a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to justice.
Opumie himself expressed gratitude for the judgment, despite not attaining all expectations, acknowledging the support received from various quarters during his ordeal. He underscored the importance of defending one’s rights and thanked those who stood by him throughout the legal process.
The ruling signifies a significant milestone in the fight against human rights abuses and unlawful detention, underscoring the importance of holding government agencies and corporations accountable for their actions.
