In Partial Compliance with Court Order, DSS Produces Eight of 12 Detained Igboho’s Aides

By Alex Enumah

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, in what appears to be a partial compliance with the order of a Federal High Court, Abuja Nigeria, brought eight out of the 12 aides of Sunday Igboho being detained in its custody.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had on July 29, reiterated his order to the DSS to produce the applicants in court on August 2 and also appear before the court to show why the applicants should not be released unconditionally.

The order was sequel to an exparte application argued by the applicants’ lawyer, Mr Pelumi Olajeingbesi, wherein he informed the court that the applicants have been in custody of the DSS since July 1, 2021.

They were arrested during a midnight raid on Igboho’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State and subsequently brought to Abuja.

However, following the failure of the DSS to file charges against them or admit them to bail pending the conclusion of investigations and possibly arraignment, the applicants through their lawyers had approached the court to enforce their fundamental human rights.

They had argued that they are being held illegally, without any valid court order hence, the court should order the DSS to release them unconditionally.

When the matter came up on Monday, four of the applicants — Abdulateef Onaolapo, Uthman Adelabu, Oluwafemi Kunle and Okoyemi Tajudeen — were absent when the list of applicants was called.

Those present in court and who answered to their names include Amudat Babatunde (AKA, Lady K), Tajudeen Erinoye, Diekola Jubril, Abideen Shittu, Jamiu Oyetunji, Ayobami Donald, Raji Kazeem and Bamidele Sunday.

Although no reason was given for the absence of the four applicants but it is believed to be connected with the discrepancies in the names of applicants with their lawyer and that of the DSS.

The counsel to the applicants had informed the court of an application seeking to amend the processes, adding that same has already been served on the respondents.

Olajeingbesi stated that the application dated July 30 and filed August 2, was brought pursuant to section 2(6) of the 1999 Constitution and under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

According to him, the amendment sought is to reflect the proper and correct names of the applicants.

The application was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Mr Idowu Awo, and the trial judge, Justice Egwuatu, adjourned till August 4 for hearing of the motion on notice.