Hanan Buhari, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, has denied trampling on the rights of a trader, Anthony Okolie, who sued her, the Department of State Services (DSS) and telecoms firm, MTN, for N500 million.
Mr Okolie was detained for 10 weeks after his arrest on July 19, 2019, in Asaba, Delta State, for using a telephone line that was previously owned by Hanan.
In the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Asaba through his lawyer, Tope Akinyode, the trader is seeking an order to “compel the respondents (DSS, Hanan and MTN) jointly or severally to pay the applicant the sum of N500,000,000 only as general and aggravated damages for the gross and unlawful violation of the applicant’s right to acquire moveable properties, freedom of movement and self-dignity.”
At the hearing on Wednesday, Ms Buhari said through her lawyer, M.E. Sheriff, that she would not be responding to the allegations “because there was no need.”
She, however, filed a written address in opposition to the originating motion on notice.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba knocked Mr Sheriff for saying his client would not be responding.
Counsel to DSS, E. E. Daobri, asked for a two-week adjournment to enable him file a counter-affidavit.
The applicant’s lawyer then alleged that his client had been under the watch of DSS since the suit was filed.
Justice Dimgba told the DSS through their counsel not to infringe on the applicant’s rights.
The case was adjourned till March 3, 2020.
