LAWYER SUES BUHARI, MALAMI, IG, OTHERS FOR ALLEGED VIOLATION

used as tools by some unscrupulous elements.

“Based on above blackmail, intimidation and coercion of the officials of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, by the 3rd and 4th Respondents, their servants, agents and privies, the body called off the protest, resulting in a large section of the Nigerian population being cowed not to get themselves involved in the protest, for fear of the reprisal of the 3rd and 4th Respondents, their servants, agents and/or privies.

“Worried about the continued violation of the Fundamental Rights of Nigerians, to freedom to associate, freedom to express themselves, and freedom to move freely to protest by the 3rd and 4th Respondents, their servants, agents and/or privies, the Applicant is bringing this application to protect the rights of Nigerians”, the Applicant stated.

The Applicant, amongst other reliefs, is praying the court to declare the act of the 3rd and 4th Respondents, as a flagrant violation and a breach of the fundamental rights of the members of the Ikeja Branch NBA, and by extension, the generality of the Nigerian Public, intending protesters’ freedom to assemble, express their thoughts and minds, and freedom of movement.

He is also praying the court, to declare that the two days official visit of President Buhari to Lagos State, is not enough reason for the 3rd and 4th Respondents, their servants, agents and/or privies, to deprive the Public from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of Assembly, Expression and Movement

The Applicant also wants the court to restrain 3rd and 4th Respondents, from further issuing threatening statements to members of Ikeja NBA Branch and the Nigerian public, intending to stage peaceful protest.

Furthermore, the Lawyer urged the court, to order the Respondents to issue a public apology, which should be published in five National widely circulated newspapers running for two weeks consecutively, to NBA Ikeja Branch and the general public, for frustrating and aborting a planned peaceful protest, and thereby violating their fundamental rights. that that was why the Commissioner of Police seized his passport.

Ekong also told the court that 15 Prosecution witnesses, mostly relatives, have been lined up to testify against the Defendant.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Taiwo however, granted Prince James bail in the sum of N20 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The Judge ordered that one of the sureties must be a landowner, which should be proven with a Certificate of Occupancy.

According to the Judge, the second surety must be a relative, with a viable means of income.

Justice Taiwo also ruled that both sureties must show evidence of payment of taxes of the last two years, the Certificate of Occupancy, which must be verified by the Registrar of Titles and the SFU.

The Judge ordered that Prince James be detained at the SFU, till perfection of the bail conditions, and fixed May 11, 14 and 15 for trial.