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High Court Sets Date For Okuama Community’s Case Against Nigerian Army.
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Community seeks compensation for alleged rights violation since March 14, 2024
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Military operation caused destruction, looting, and displacement, plaintiffs claim.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Federal High Court in Warri has set June 4, 2024, as the date for the hearing of fundamental rights applications brought by members of the Okuama community in Ughelli South against the Nigerian Army.
The Okuama community has been embroiled in a crisis since the tragic murder of 17 soldiers on March 14, 2024, within the community.
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In response to the destruction and alleged breach of fundamental rights suffered by the community and its residents, the Nigerian Army faces three separate lawsuits in the Federal High Court .
The case, filed under reference number FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, involves 17 plaintiffs representing the Okuama community.
They include Victor Akemor, Madam Omotiwori Olarehor, and 15 others who claim their fundamental rights were violated by the military’s actions.
During the initial hearing, the community’s legal representative, Akpokona Omafuaire, affirmed the court’s jurisdiction over the case, citing multiple sections of the 1999 Constitution that address human rights.
Notably, the Nigerian Army was absent from the proceedings, with no legal representation present.
Justice I. M. Sani, presiding over the case, has scheduled the next hearing for June 4, where the substantive issues will be addressed.
The plaintiffs are demanding compensation for the alleged violation of their rights, including the dignity of human persons, fair hearing, private and family life, freedom of movement, choice of residence, and property ownership.
According to the lawsuit, the military operation resulted in the widespread destruction of the Okuama community, with only the Anglican Church, Okuama Secondary School, and the Aderha Primary School being spared.
The plaintiffs further allege that the military personnel engaged in looting and imposed collective punishment on the community without conducting a proper investigation or producing evidence linking the residents to the deaths of the soldiers.
The plaintiffs claim that this action constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights and seeks compensation for the damages suffered.
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The community members described the aftermath of the invasion as catastrophic, forcing them to flee to forests, bushes, and creeks, living in destitute conditions without basic necessities such as shelter, food, or water.
They highlighted their exposure to harsh weather conditions, wildlife, and health risks.
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