A Borno State-born Pastor, , has threatened to file a suit against the Department of State Security (DSS) for alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.
This follows his revelation that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) received N7billion from President Goodluck Jonathan to support his re-election bid.
The Borno born Pastor, who had petitioned the DSS director general, Mr. Ita Ekpenyong, through his lawyers from Right And Democracy Volunteers, reminded the Director General how his officers stripped him naked and asked him to make statement under duress.
“On the 16th March, 2015, Pastor Dikwa returned to the DSS headquarter with his lawyers in Abuja under their invitation through one Mr. Paul. The lawyer was denied being present during the chat. The interrogation officers, Felix and Tony strip the pastor naked and ordered him to make a statement under duress when they ordered him to copy verbatim a recanting statement scripted by the DSS,” the petition read.
The petition which was obtained by DAILY POST, informed the DSS that the constitution of Nigeria guaranteed Pastor Dikwa some inalienable right, including the right to freedom of expression, respect to the dignity of his person, and right to liberty which were conveniently violated by the DSS.
The lawyers, therefore, demand an apology and compensation as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the constitution, adding that “in this circumstances, we believe that Pastor Dikwa is entitled to N300 million compensation and a guarantee that he would no more be intimidated or harassed by operatives of the DSS without regard to the laws of this country.”
“Having regard to the exigency of the situation, we have instructed our legal team to proceed to file a court action to protect the fundamental rights of Pastor Dikwa if after 7 days hereof the DSS in its wisdom fails to remediate the matter in compliance with the petition. Pastor Dikwa may be a lone victim of circumstances, but he shall not be alone in fighting this violation of his rights,” said the petitioner.
.
