ADVERTISEMENT

Court rules on violation of fundamental human rights suit December 8

Jonathan is asking the court to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to respect her fundamental rights to privacy...

Jonathan is asking the court to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to respect her fundamental rights to privacy, dignity and fair hearing, which she says have been serially violated.

The former first lady is also demanding N2 billion from the EFCC as general damages and compensation for the violation of her fundamental rights.

When the matter was called up on Thursday, counsel to Jonathan, Mr Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), told the court that the EFCC had taken it upon itself to be an aggressive persecutor of his client.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to Adedipe, the EFCC is expected to charge my client to court and not decide single handedly that the houses or funds acquired by her are proceeds of crime.

“The rights conferred on citizens by Chapter 4 of the Constitution are fundamental rights which are distinct from statutory rights, which can be tossed around.

“Fundamental rights are such that no one is permitted to infringe on it, moreover, the constitution is written to protect the citizens from the `good’ intentions of government.

“The government has enormous powers and that is why the constitution is there to protect the citizens from such powers.”

The senior advocate prayed the court to order EFCC to desist from the incessant harassment of his client, and act as the statutory commission empowered by its Act to fight graft.

ADVERTISEMENT

Responding, counsel to EFCC, Mr F. Abdullah, opposed the application and prayed the court to refuse the reliefs sought by Jonathan on the grounds that they were unmeritorious.

Abdullah referred the court to Section 44 (2) (k) of the Constitution saying that the right of a citizen to own property was not absolute.

The Judge, Justice John Tsoho, adjourned the matter until Dec. 8 to give his ruling.

Some of the other reliefs sought by Jonathan include an order of court declaring that the harassment she has suffered from the EFCC amounts to a gross violation of her rights as enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

She also wants a declaration that the indiscriminate freezing of her bank accounts and those of her relatives by the EFCC without any invitation or interrogation is a violation of her rights to own property and to fair hearing.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT