Founder of Sotitobire demands N100m from SSS over detention

Founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel, Akure, Pastor Alfa Babatunde, has filed a suit against the State Security Service at the Federal High Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, over his arrest and detention by the agency.

He said his arrest and detention were illegal and infringement of his fundamental human rights.

The church was burnt down by some angry youths following the alleged discovery of a grave where one-year-old boy, Gold Kolawole, was burning.

Kolawole has been missing after attending the church’s Sunday service in November with his mother.

The mob action led to the death of three people as well as destruction of properties valued at millions.

In a suit filed by his counsel, Mr Yemi Omoware, the pastor, who was alleged to have been detained by the SSS for the past few days, sought the order of the court to release him from the custody of the security agency.

Joined as respondents in the suit are: the State Security Service, Director-General State Security Service, Mr Emmanuel Anaobi, Mr Isaac Babalola and Mr Remi Oluwalogbon.

In the suit requested for an order ”directing/compelling the release of the applicant unconditionally from the custody of the respondents.”

The suit sought an order ”enforcing the fundamental rights of the applicant to liberty and dignity of the human person which rights were violated by the respondents.”

The applicant also sought an order ” restraining the respondents, their agents, servants, subordinates and or any person(s) taking instructions from them whatsoever/ whosoever from engaging in any further acts of arrest, detention and violation” of his right to liberty and or dignity of the human person.”

According to the suit, “A N100 million as aggravated damages against the respondents jointly and severally for the violation of the fundamental rights of the applicant,” was sought.

–  The Nation