TheCable

Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), on Monday, filed a N2 billion suit against the Department of State Services (DSS) and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF).

Femi Falana, counsel to El-Zakzaky, who filed the suit, said the IMN leader is demanding general and exemplary damages over the respondents’ refusal to release his travel passport.

In the suit, El-Zakzaky asked for an order of the court mandating the DSS and AGF to pay him the N2 billion for the alleged violation of his rights to freedom of movement, fair hearing and property, despite being acquitted and discharged by a court on July 28.

According to NAN, he also sought 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 “without a court order, was illegal and unconstitutional”.

El-Zakzaky said the seizure violated his fundamental right to freedom of movement as guaranteed in section 41 of the 1999 constitution and article 12 of the African charter on human and peoples’ rights.

He also prayed the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further violating his rights.

El-Zakzaky asked the court to declare that the refusal of the DSS and the AGF to allow him to travel abroad for medical treatment was a “threat to his life”.

He also asked for a court declaration that the restriction violates his right to fair hearing.

He alleged that while in custody, he suffered lead poisoning with 244 lead metals lodged in his body, while his wife was shot in the thigh.

The case is yet to be assigned to any judge.