The Federal High Court in Asaba on Wednesday has struck out an application of the State Security Service (SSS) seeking to stop the payment of N10 million judgment debt against it in a case involving President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hanan.
Recall that the case involved a citizen, Anthony Okolie, whose fundamental human rights were violated over an MTN SIM card that was once used by Hanan.
According to PREMIUM TIMES report, the SSS on Tuesday filed an appeal and is also seeking to obtain a stay-of-execution order to bar Mr Okolie from enforcing the payment of the judgement sum until the appeal is determined.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba on Wednesday struck out the SSS application when the matter came before his court, saying the Federal High Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the case.
According to the judge an appeal has been entered (by the SSS) at the court of appeal and by virtue of Order 4 Rule 11 of the Court of Appeal rules, only the court of appeal can now hear the case.
Judge Nnamdi therefore struck out the application.
Speaking on the development, Mr Okolie’s lawyer, Tope Akinyode said, it is refreshing to see the SSS lose out in court again today.”
“We’ll immediately commence contempt proceedings against the DG of SSS for disrespecting the valid order of court which mandated payment of the N10 million sum. We’ll also consider the option of going after the assets of the security outfit to realise the judgment sum.”
