The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit brought against the anti-hunger protesters, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, the Department of the State Service, and the Chiefs of Army and Defense Staff.
The lawsuit, initiated by 17 Nigerians in connection with the recent nationwide protests, was rejected by the court due to inadequate prosecution. Justice Peter Lifu ruled to terminate the lawsuit on Thursday after the absence of the 17 plaintiffs and 26 defendants in court, both of whom were unrepresented by legal counsel.
Despite the scheduled hearing, Justice Lifu expressed surprise at the absence of the 17 plaintiffs or their legal representatives.
None of the defendants, including the Take It Back movement, Nigerians against Hunger, DSS, IGP, Chiefs of Army, and Defense Staff, were represented. No explanations were provided for their absence.
Expressing frustration, Justice Lifu concluded that the plaintiffs had lost interest in the matter and subsequently dismissed the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs representing the six geopolitical zones had approached the court to seek an end to the protest on the grounds of violation of their fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, human dignity, property ownership, economic, social, and cultural development, and the right to national peace and security.
They requested the court to compel the Director General of the DSS, Inspector General of Police, Chiefs of Army and Defense Staff, as well as the Attorney General of the Federation, to enforce their fundamental rights by addressing the protesters' actions.
The plaintiffs specifically mentioned Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa as areas where significant destruction of public and private properties allegedly occurred.
The lack of diligent prosecution by the plaintiffs led to the termination of the lawsuit by Justice Lifu.
Some of the plaintiffs are Danladi Goje, Buky Abayomi, Adiza Abbo, Ocholi Aduku, Francis John, Nnamdi Eze, Chibuzor Ifeanyi, Fesco Olatunde and Ishaya Istifanus among others.