Court Orders Man To Pay DSS N5m For Frivolous Human Rights Suit

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered one Sunday Dominic to pay the Department of State Services (DSS) N5 million as a punitive cost for instituting a “frivolous” suit against the secret police.

In a suit marked FCT/HC/CV/3984/2024, Dominic claimed that the secret police invited him for questioning and threatened to arrest him on suspicion of fraudulent activities, actions he told the court violated his fundamental rights.

He sought a declaratory order that the DSS’s actions infringed on his right to life, dignity, and personal liberty. He further pleaded with the court to award him N10 million as compensation.

In his ruling, the presiding judge, A. Y. Shafa, held that, after thoroughly examining Diminic’s evidence, including the Service’s defence and counter-affidavit, the applicant failed to establish any breach of his rights by the DSS.

In dismissing the matter, Justice Shafa held that the case was frivolous and without merit, and, thereafter, ordered the plaintiff to pay N5m to the DSS.

Commenting, a senior lawyer hailed the ruling to enhance the effective functioning of security agencies in Nigeria.

“This ruling reinforces the principle that security agencies have a critical role to play, and they must be allowed to carry out their duties without unnecessary interference,” the lawyer said.

“If security operatives cannot invite suspects or witnesses for inquiries, their ability to deliver on national security and enforce the law would be severely compromised,” he remarked.

“The court’s decision sends a clear message discouraging frivolous litigations against security agencies, which could otherwise hinder their operations and impede justice”, he declared