By Sunny Onyekwere 4th , November
There was a sigh of respite for 13 men who were detained for periods ranging from one to six years without trial, following the intervention of the Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo, Taraba state, which ordered for their immediate release from custody.
Reports have it that the court ruled that their detention was a gross violation of their constitutional rights, and awarded a total of N48 million in damages to the victims.
Justice Maskur Salisu, who condemned the prolonged detention of the men, also described it as “reprehensible and unlawful.”
He reiterated that law enforcement agencies must operate within the confines of the law and uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.
It was gathered that the inmates were represented pro bono by human rights lawyer Barrister John Nkemnagum Okezie, who filed separate fundamental rights enforcement suits against the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
As expected, human rights activists have hailed the ruling as a major victory for civil liberties and a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the oppressed.
“This was a pro bono effort aimed at ensuring that justice is not reserved for only those who can afford it”, Okezie said.
He however, urged the freed inmates to make good use of their second chance and avoid behaviors that could return them to prison.
Some of the released men, visibly emotional, expressed profound gratitude to the lawyer for his intervention.
“We would still be rotting in jail if not for his help, We’ve learned our lessons and will strive to live better lives”, they chorused while reacting to the development.
End
