Judge recommends out-of-court settlement in N2bn suit against army over Okuama killings

Friday, October 18, 2024 - A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako, has advised Lucky Okodeh, a former caretaker chair of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, to consider an out-of-court settlement with the Nigerian Army. 

Okodeh had filed a lawsuit against the military after his photograph was published among those declared wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State.

Okodeh is seeking N2 billion in damages from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), whom he named as the first and second respondents, respectively, in the suit. He alleges that the army’s actions violated his rights to personal liberty and dignity.

During Thursday’s court session, Asmau Yunusa, counsel to the applicant, noted that she had received the counter affidavit from the first respondent (CDS) the previous day and requested more time to file her response. However, the second respondent (COAS) was not represented in court.

Justice Nyako advised the parties to pursue an amicable resolution, stating, "It is not what we should waste the taxpayers’ money on." 

 She then adjourned the case to November 28 for further mention.