Journalist Jones Abiri Sues FG Over Prolonged Detention, Demands N200m

Jones Abiri Sues Federal Government

The publisher of the Bayelsa State-based weekly paper, Weekly Source, Jones Abiri who was arrested and kept in the custody of the Department of State Services for two years without trial, has demanded a compensation of N200 million from the Nigerian government for his prolonged detention.

As earlier reported by Naija News, Abiri was recently released after meeting his bail conditions after almost two years without trial.

In an application brought before the Federal High Court, Mr Abiri is asking the court to compel the DSS to pay him for the flagrant abuse of his rights and torture experienced during his detention by the operatives.

According to the application, Mr Abiri’s lawyers, led by Femi Falana, are submitting that the prolonged detention without trial violates their client’s right to personal liberty, dignity of person, freedom of association and fair hearing among others.

The case was however not heard on Monday, as the respondent was yet to file an affidavit replying to the motion brought against the DSS.

When the case was called, Mr Abiri’s lawyer, Samuel Ogala, appeared for the applicant, but the DSS counsel, G. O. Agbadua, asked the court for time for his client respond to the application.

The matter was subsequently adjourned till September 3 for further hearing.