Appeal Court frees IPOB member, fines DSS N5m for unlawful detention
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Court of Appeal has affirmed the judgment of the Enugu State High Court which declared the arrest and detention of a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Stephen Egwuatu, by the Department of State Services (DSS) as unlawful and a vicious violation of his fundamental rights.
The Enugu State High Court had given the order on July 4 2023 in Suit No. E/37/2022 and awarded a cost of N5 million against the secret police.
But the DSS through the Enugu State Ministry of Justice, in Appeal No. CA/E/2023: State Security Service VS. Stephen Egwuatu, challenged the decision of the lower court.
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However, in a unanimous judgment read by Justice Abdul-Azeez Waziri, the Appellate Court upheld the judgment of the High Court and reaffirmed the punitive cost awarded against the DSS.
Reacting to the verdict, lawyer to IPOB and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said the judiciary has, again, proved to be the last hope of the oppressed.
He said, “We give all glory and adoration to God Almighty for this resounding victory. Justice has once again prevailed. The enforcement of this judgment will be pursued to its fullest extent.
“It is pertinent to note that Stephen was only 12 years at the time of his arrest and detention. Although he was arrested on November 8 2021 and released on November 11, 2021, the court strongly condemned the actions of the DSS, in the unlawful arrest and detention of an innocent minor, and consequently awarded a cost of N5 million against the DSS.”
