Two Al-jazeera journalists, Ahmed Idris - a reporter and Ali
Mustapha - a camera man, both pictured above, have
instituted a lawsuit against the Chief of Army staff, Gen
Kenneth Minimah and the Nigerian military for what they term
the infringement of their fundamental human rights following
their illegal detention by the Nigerian military. They filed the
suit in an Abuja high court this morning
Both men are being detained in their hotel in Maiduguri, Borno
state where they have been kept since March 24th over
allegations of loitering around areas where combat operations
was still ongoing.
According to their legal representative, Mr Femi Falana, the
journalists are seeking a declaration from the court that their
arrest and continued detention by the military is illegal and
unconstitutional, thereby violating their right to personal
liberty guaranteed by Section 34, 35 and 41 of the
constitution and Article 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on
Human and peoples’ Right Act.
The suit will also be seeking an order by the court directing
the Nigerian military and the Chief of Army staff, Gen Minimah
to immediately release the journalists from illegal military
custody since loitering or wandering were not recognizable
offences by the law.
The suit argues that the journalists were entitled to their
liberty, freedom of movement and integrity to human person
as guaranteed by Section 34, 35 and 41 of the Nigerian
constitution.
No date has been announced for the hearing of the suit.
Meanwhile the Defence Headquarters has not yet reacted to
reports of the suit.