Bayelsa Lawyer Sues Nigerian Army Over Property Destruction, Demands N23bn

A Bayelsa State resident, Festus Daumiebi, has filed a N20.4 billion lawsuit against the Nigerian Army, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Defence Staff General Chris Musa, and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

The suit alleges the unlawful invasion and destruction of his property in Igbomotoru community by military personnel.

The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa under reference FHC/YNG/183/2024, is spearheaded by a legal team led by Prof. O. F. Emiri SAN. Daumiebi is seeking reparations for what he describes as a gross violation of his fundamental rights, following a military raid on March 30, 2024.

According to Daumiebi, soldiers broke into his six-bedroom duplex and five-bedroom guest house, causing extensive damage and exposing his property to theft and vandalism. Items damaged include Israeli and copper security doors, luxury furniture sets, electronics, and other household goods. The invasion was reportedly part of a military operation to apprehend suspects involved in the killings of soldiers in Okuama, Delta State.

Daumiebi, a lawyer and real estate investor, expressed concerns for his safety and freedom of movement following the incident. He described the invasion as an arbitrary abuse of power.

Following the invasion, Daumiebi’s solicitors sent letters to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, but no response was received.

The resulting suit seeks multiple declarations from the court, including that the military’s actions violated Daumiebi’s rights to privacy, property, personal liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. It also demands N310,575,000 in special damages for the destroyed property and N20 billion in punitive damages. He also seeks court orders to prevent future invasions of his property. Authorities affiliated with the Nigerian Army are yet to comment on the development.

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