Falana sues FCDA for N100m over manhole accident

Femi Falana, lawyer and human rights activist, has sued the federal capital development authority (FCDA) after claiming he fell into a manhole.

Falana had said the accident which took place on October 27, forced him to use a walking stick.

“I broke my leg and I am even wearing Plaster of Paris and I was even hospitalised. So, I won’t like the ordinary Nigerian leave it to God,” he had said.

In the suit, the lawyer claimed he had been caused severe pain and trauma as a result of medical procedures he had to undergo because of the accident.

He said he had to pay N209,580 as medical bill at the National Hospital, Abuja where he was treated, adding that the injury also disrupted his business.

Some of the grounds on which the suit was established are that “the defendant ought to know that leaving a manhole open in the middle of the road was dangerous for all road users, especially pedestrians.

“The defendant owes the plaintiff a duty of care to ensure his safety while walking on Sheu Shagari Way, Maitama district, Abuja.

“The plaintiff specifically avers that he experiences severe and excruciating pain when he is walking from one point to the other.

“The plaintiff avers that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident which led to the severe sprain on his right knee.

“The defendant is the Federal Capital Development Authority, a body established by an Act of the National Assembly with a duty to construct and maintain such roads, railways, sidings, tramways, bridges, reservoirs, watercourses, buildings, plant and machinery and such other works as may be necessary for, or conducive to, the discharge of its functions under the Act establishing it.”

Falana requested that N100m damages be paid to him for the injuries he said he sustained during the accident.