NUJ sues DSS over journalist’s arrest, claims N5m

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kogi Council on Tuesday dragged the Department of State Services (DSS) to Federal High Court, Lokoja over the arrest and detention of its member, Mr Friday Ogungbemi.

Ogungbemi, a Kogi-based journalist and publisher was detained by the DSS on November 30, over an alleged offensive publication in the November 23 – December 15, 2016 edition of the Policy and Lawmakers Magazine.

The NUJ which filed the suit on behalf of the journalist is seeking enforcement of his Fundamental Human Rights. In addition, the union is claiming N5 million damages arising from the unlawful incarceration and infringement on Ogungbemi’s fundamental-rights.

The NUJ counsel, J.U. Usman seeks four reliefs including an order enforcing the journalist’s rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement and fair hearing being violated by the respondent since November 30.

He also seeks an order of the court to enforce the rights being infringed upon by the respondent’s continued detention of Ogungbemi at the DSS detention facility and custody “which is unreasonable, illegal unconstitutional, null and void.”

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