SAN FRANCISCO, August 27, (THEWILL) –Â Recently released journalist, Jones Abiri, has demanded a compensation of N200 million from the Nigerian government for his prolonged detention without trial.
Abiri, a publisher of a Bayelsa State-based weekly paper, Weekly Source, was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) in July 2016 and was detained till July 2018 without trial.
He we was later arraigned following wide condemnation of his prolonged incarceration, and was subsequently granted bail.
In an application brought before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, Abiri is asking the court to compel the DSS to pay him for the flagrant abuse of his rights and torture experienced during his detention by the operatives.
According to the application by Abiri’s lawyers, led by Femi Falana, the prolonged detention without trial violates their client’s right to personal liberty, dignity of person, freedom of association and fair hearing among others.
When the case was called, one of Abiri’s lawyer, Samuel Ogala, appeared for the applicant, but counsel to the DSS, G. O. Agbadua, asked the court for time for his client respond to the application.
The matter was subsequently adjourned till September 3 for further hearing.
