Judge Suggests Out-of-Court Settlement in N2bn Suit Against Army Over Okuama Killings

A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako, has urged Lucky Okodeh, a former caretaker chair of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, to consider settling his lawsuit against the Nigerian Army out of court.

Okodeh has sued the military after his photograph was published among those declared wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State.

He is seeking N2 billion in damages from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), alleging that their actions violated his rights to personal liberty and dignity.

During Thursday’s court session, Okodeh’s counsel, Asmau Yunusa, noted that she had received a counter affidavit from the CDS the previous day and requested additional time to respond. The COAS was not represented in court.

Justice Nyako advised the parties to pursue an amicable resolution, stating, “It is not what we should waste the taxpayers’ money on.” She then adjourned the case to November 28 for further mention.