Okuama killings: Ex-council boss sues army for publishing his picture on wanted list

Lucky Okodeh, a former caretaker chairman of southern Ijaw LGA in Bayelsa, has sued the Nigerian Army for publishing his photograph among those declared wanted over the killing of 17 soldiers in Delta state.

In a suit filed at the federal high court in Abuja, Okodeh sued the chief of defence staff (CDS) and chief of army staff (CAS) as 1st and 2nd respondents, respectively.

Okodeh, through his lawyer, Femi Falana, asked the court to award N2 billion as damages against the respondents for the alleged violation of his rights to personal liberty and dignity.

BACKGROUND

On March 14, 17 soldiers of the Nigerian Army were killed during an operation in the Okuama community, Delta state.

President Bola Tinubu and the military high command promised that the masterminds of the killings would be brought to justice.

The deceased were buried at the military cemetery in Abuja and were posthumously conferred with national honours by Tinubu.

The president also offered scholarships to the children of the late officers.

Subsequently, the Defence Headquarters declared eight persons wanted in connection with the killing of the army personnel.

Those declared wanted were Ekpekpo Arthur, a professor of physics at the Delta State University; Akevwru Omotegbono; Andaowei Bakrikri; Igoli Ebi, a lady; Akata David; Sinclear Oliki; Clement Oghenerukevwe; and Reuben Baru.

The DHQ included Okodeh’s picture and identified him as “Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono” on the list.

THE SUIT

Okodeh wants the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from arresting him.

He also asked the court to order the respondents to tender an apology, which should be published on print and electronic media platforms.

On Monday, the matter was fixed for mention before Binta Nyako, the presiding judge.

However, the case could not be heard because of the absence of the judge.

Falana and Mike Ebah, the respondents’ counsel, were in court.

The case is now fixed to October 17 for a mention.