Court Awards N1 Million In Damages To DSS Director, Imo State Command

An Imo State High Court, sitting in Owerri, has awarded N1 million in damages to a director of the Department of State Services (DSS) Imo State Command in a case concerning the enforcement of fundamental human rights.

Mr. Martins Akali, along with four other individuals, initiated legal proceedings against Ekezie Akali and four additional parties, including the DSS Director.

The applicants contended that their fundamental rights to human dignity and personal liberty were violated by the respondents.

They sought N40 million in damages for this infringement.

After reviewing the arguments presented by the petitioners, represented by C. C. Amuzie, and those of the DSS Director, who is the fifth respondent, represented by I Enwezor and Ekezie Nwuzor, the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafor awarded N1 million in damages to the security chief for wrongful prosecution and defamation of the DSS.

The court, however, ruled in favour of the petitioners against the other respondent.