The Federal High Court in Osogbo has ordered the Department of State Services to pay a traditional ruler in Osun State, Oba Abideen Adeyemi, the Alamo of Ayegbaju-Ijesa in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of the state the sum of N50 million for illegally arresting and detaining him.
Oba Adeyemi had sued the DSS for forceful arrest and unlawful detention.
The monarch accused operatives of the DSS of harassment and infringement on his fundamental rights in a suit numbered: FHC/OS/CS/181/224 before the court on August 5, 2024.
The applicant joined DSS Director General, Mr Geordi, the state director, Mr Amosat, Chief Omololu Afilaka and Rotimi Ajewole, as respondents.
Delivering the order, the court, presided over by Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi, stated that it was highly unprofessional for DSS not to investigate the petition before the monarch was arrested.
She slammed security agency for unlawfully procuring the magistrate arrest warrant.
The judge faulted DSS’ action through a malicious and frivolous petition written against Oba Adeyemi, saying that DSS deprived the monarch his fundamental rights as enshrined in chapter IV of the Nigeria Constitution.
The court thereby awarded the cost of N50 million as general damages, being the loss suffered by the applicant.
