Judge Urges Settlement in N2 Billion Suit Against Nigerian Army Over Wrongful Wanted Notice

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has advised parties involved in a N2 billion lawsuit against the Nigerian Army to consider an out-of-court settlement, emphasizing the need to avoid wasting taxpayers’ money. The judge issued the advice during a Thursday hearing, subsequently adjourning the case to November 28.

The suit was initiated by Mr. Lucky Okodeh, a former Caretaker Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, seeking N2 billion in damages for alleged violations of his fundamental rights. Okodeh, represented by his counsel Asmau Yunusa, claims that his photograph was wrongfully published among individuals wanted in connection with the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State. Though his name did not appear on the wanted list, his photograph was linked to a different name, reportedly causing significant damage to his reputation and political career.

The lawsuit names the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as respondents. Okodeh alleges that the publication forced him to withdraw as the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the April 11 local government elections in Bayelsa State.

During Thursday’s session, Yunusa informed the court that she had received a counter-affidavit from the CDS’s counsel, Mimi Ayua, and requested time to respond. Notably, the Chief of Army Staff was not represented in court. In response, Justice Nyako suggested that the issue was suitable for amicable resolution outside of the courtroom, stressing, “It is not what we should waste the taxpayers’ money for.”

Okodeh’s legal claims include compensation for the alleged infringement of his rights to personal liberty and dignity, an apology published across various media, and a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from arresting him. He contends that the wrongful publication has not only forced him into hiding but also derailed his political ambitions.

The court ordered that the second respondent, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, be served with a hearing notice ahead of the next session.