COURT SLAMS DSS N10M FINE FOR ILLEGALLY DETAINING TRADER WHO PURCHASED A SIM CARD PREVIOUSLY USED BY BUHARI'S DAUGHTER
The Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday, May 14 slammed the Department of State Service (DSS) for illegally detaining a trader, Mr Okolie, who legally purchased an MTN sim card previously used by President Buhari's daughter, Hanan.
The court slammed the DSS N10 million fine for the unlawful violation of Okolie's right to acquire moveable properties, freedom of movement, and self-dignity
Anthony Okolie, a 33-year-old trader, was detained for 10 weeks because he used a sim card previously used by the President's daughter, Hanan Buhari.
The trader said in a supporting affidavit that he was arrested on July 19, 2019, in Asaba, Delta State for using a telephone line that was previously owned by Hanan.
According to him, he remained in custody, bound by handcuffs till September 22, 2019, as the DSS waited for Hanan, who was schooling in the United Kingdom, to come and clear him but she never did.
Tope Akinyode, Mr Okolie's lawyer, sued Hanan Buhari, the DSS, and MTN for human rights abuse, demanding a fine of N500 million.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Dimgba, struck out the prayer requesting Hanan Buhari, and telecoms company, MTN, to pay N500m.
According to the judge, there is no substantial evidence against them.
Okolie's lawyer, said he and his client are not particular about the money but good judgment.
"As far as we are concerned, it is a good judgment for the masses. The monetary sum does not matter to us. We are happy to establish that the DSS is a lawless outfit."
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