The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit brought against anti-hunger protesters, including the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Department of State Services (DSS), Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff.
The suit, filed by 17 Nigerians in response to nationwide protests, was struck out by Justice Peter Lifu due to lack of diligent prosecution.
The court session on Thursday saw none of the 17 plaintiffs or 26 defendants present, nor were they represented by legal counsel. Despite the case being scheduled for hearing, Justice Lifu expressed surprise and disappointment at the absence of any legal representation from both parties.
The defendants, which included the Take it Back movement and Nigerians Against Hunger, as well as the DSS, IGP, Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff, also did not have legal representation. No reasons or excuses were provided for their absence or for boycotting the proceedings.
Consequently, Justice Lifu concluded that it appeared the plaintiffs had lost interest in pursuing the case and decided to strike it out.
The plaintiffs, representing all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, had initially sought court orders to end the protests, citing breaches of their fundamental rights including freedom of movement, human dignity, property ownership, economic development, and national peace and security.
They specifically requested the DSS, IGP, Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff, and the AGF to enforce their rights by controlling the protesters.
The plaintiffs highlighted incidents in Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa where they alleged significant damage to public and private property during the protests.
Notable plaintiffs named in the case included Danladi Goje, Buky Abayomi, Adiza Abbo, Ocholi Aduku, Francis John, Nnamdi Eze, Chibuzor Ifeanyi, Fesco Olatunde, and Ishaya Istifanus. Defendants included Omoyele Somore, the AGF, National Security Adviser, IGP, Chief of Army Staff, and Chief of Defence Staff, among others.
