A Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday, slammed a N10 million fine against the State Security Service (SSS) over a sim card controversy lawsuit involving President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter.
Miss Hanan Buhari, the SSS and telecoms firm, MTN, were sued for human rights abuse by Mr Anthony Okolie, a man detained for 10 weeks over the use of a sim card previously used by the president’s daughter.
Mr Okolie, through his lawyer, Tope Akinyode, had demanded N500 million as general and aggravated damages for the gross and unlawful violation of the applicant’s right to acquire moveable properties, freedom of movement and self dignity.
M.E. Sheriff, the lawyer representing Hanan Buhari in a counter affidavit maintained that although the MTN sim card which caused the controversy was once used by her but she did not order the SSS to arrest Mr Okolie.
In a 35-paragraph affidavit, signed by its official, S.M. Kayode, the SSS, however, stated it received an official letter of instruction from the presidency dated July 5, 2019, upon which it acted.
The case which was earlier scheduled for judgement before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba on March 3 could not hold due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Justice Dimgba on Thursday, awarded the sum of N10 million against SSS for the abuse of Mr Okolie’s fundamental human rights, stating that there were no substantial evidence against Hanan and MTN.
Mr Okolie through his lawyer, Mr Akinyode said: “As far as we are concerned, it is a good judgement for democracy. It is a symbolism of judgement for the masses. The monetary sum does not matter to us.
“We are not particular about the money, we are happy to establish that the SSS is a lawless security outfit.”
