Justice Binta Nyako has advised the parties involved in a N2 billion suit against the Nigerian Army to explore out-of-court settlement options rather than incurring unnecessary legal expenses that would burden taxpayers.
Presiding over the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, Justice Nyako adjourned the proceedings until November 28.
The fundamental rights enforcement suit was filed by Mr. Lucky Okodeh, a former Caretaker Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State. Okodeh, represented by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, is suing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff (CAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, who are named as the 1st and 2nd respondents, respectively.
In his suit, dated and filed on May 3, Okodeh alleges that the defendants published his photograph as one of those wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State. He claims this action violated his rights to personal liberty and dignity, prompting him to seek N2 billion in damages.
During the hearing, Okodeh’s counsel, Asmau Yunusa, informed the court that she had received a counter-affidavit from the 1st respondent (CDS) the previous day and required additional time to formulate a response.
Justice Nyako’s recommendation for an out-of-court settlement highlights the potential for resolution without further legal disputes.