Friday 2 May 2014

October 1 Bombing: Okah Sues Prison Authorities

The accused mastermind of the independence day 2010 bomb explosion in Abuja, Mr Charles Okah who is currently in the custody at the Kuje Prison has sued the Nigerian Prisons Service over alleged inhuman treatment meted out to him by Prison officers.
In a suit filed by his counsel, Mr Festus Keyamo, the plaintiff prayed the court for an order restraining the officers of Kuje Prisons from administering a drug called Epilim Sodium Viproate, (ESV), primarily used for the ailment of epilepsy, and any other harmful drug on him as he is not epileptic and had no history of epilepsy. Further, he wants the court to declare that the administration of the drug on him by the prison  officers amounts to a breach of his right to life and dignity, as guaranteed by Sections 33 (1)and 34 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, (as amended).
He also wants the court to declare that the prison authorities violated his fundamental human rights, by denying him access to medication for the treatment of his hypertension and high blood pressure.
He therefore prayed the court for an order awarding N500 million as damages against the defendants, for the actions of the officers of Kuje Prisons, in breach of his fundamental rights to life and dignity as guaranteed by Sections 33 (1) and 34 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution.
Joined as defendants in the suit are the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller General of Prisons.

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