A Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed January 19, 2022, to hear the suit filed by Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenah, against the State Security Service (SSS) and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Justice Inyang Ekwo, on Friday, fixed the date to allow the defendants in the fundamental right enforcement suit to respond to allegations levelled against them. 

In the suits dated and filed on October 14 by their counsel, Femi Falana, the IMN leader and wife are demanding general and exemplary damages over Abubakar Malami and the secret polices’ refusal to release Mr and Mrs El-Zakzaky’s travel passport.

Mr El-Zakzaky is asking the court for an order mandating the SSS and Mr Malami to pay him the sum of N2 billion for the alleged violation of his rights to freedom of movement, fair hearing and property, despite being acquitted and discharged since July 28.

He is also seeking a court declaration that the seizure of his passport with number A50578740 since May 2019, and travel restrictions placed on his passport at land borders are without a court order, therefore, “illegal and unconstitutional”.

He also prayed the court to grant a perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents from further violating his rights, adding that the refusal of the SSS and Mr Malami to allow him to travel abroad for medical treatment was a “threat to his life”.

He further asked for a court declaration that the restriction violates his right to a fair hearing, alleging that while in custody, he suffered lead poisoning with 244 lead metals lodged in his body, while his wife was shot in the thigh.

Also, his wife is asking the court to mandate the SSS and AGF to pay her N2 billion for violation of her rights to freedom of movement, fair hearing and property, despite being acquitted and discharged by a court on July 28, among other grievances. 

(NAN)