Rights activist, Meliga Godwin, has sued the Department of State Services (DSS) before an FCT High Court for allegedly breaching his fundamental rights through illegal arrest and detention.
It will be recalled that on December 19, 2022, Godwin, who is the President of Middle Belt Youth Forum, criticised the DSS for its attempt to obtain an ex parte application to arrest and detain the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over alleged terrorism charges.
The activist had at the media briefing condemned the actions of the DSS and described it as a hatchet job.
In a motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights with suit No: FCT/HC/CV/1034/2023, filed by his lawyer, Chibuzo Ezike, Godwin is asking the court for his unconditional release by the DSS.
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The applicant prayed the court to order his release from detention and also make an order directing the DSS and its Director-General, who is a party in the suit, to pay him the sum of N500 million as damages.
The Middle Belt youth leader also prayed the court to order the DSS to issue a public apology in two national dailies for the alleged illegal arrest and detention.
Godwin further prayed the court to declare his arrest and detention from January 8 till the time of filing the suit as a breach of his fundamental rights, unconstitutional and of no effect.
