Detained For 10 Weeks Because Hanan Was Studying In UK – Man Sues DSS, MTN

An Asaba based trader, Anthony Okolie was called a criminal by Department of State Services, DSS operatives because he used an MTN Sim card once owned by Hanan Buhari , daughter of the president, he has alleged.

Okolie who was detained for 10 weeks and sometimes bound during the incarceration has filed a N1 billion suit against Hanan, the DSS and MTN claiming damages for the breach of his right and loss of business opportunities during the incarceration.

The 33 year old trader in the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State through his lawyer, Tope Akinyode is requesting N500 Million from the DSS for wrongful imprisonment and another N500 million from Hanan and MTN.

 In the suit, with number FHC/ASB/CS/3/2020, 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.”

He affirmed that he was told that Hanan used the Sim card before he bought it and that she needed to clear him before he could be released.

However, Hanan who was studying in the UK was not available to clear him.

According to the affidavit of claim presented in support of his case, he said:

“That on December 8, 2019, at Ogbeogonogo Market, Nebu Road, Asaba, Delta State, I purchased a SIM card with Phone Number, 09035666662, for the sum of N1,000 only and I received a SIM pack with accompanying documents as a result as evidence of purchase receipt.

“That in line with relevant regulations, I approached a kit operator of the 3rd respondent (MTN) named Jeff, who captured my biometric and registered the SIM card in my name and on my behalf.

“That in July, 2019, I visited my business associate at his residence in Asaba and saw him being taken away by officers of the 1st respondent (DSS). During the process, they obtained information from him on who he communicated with last over the phone and my associated announced that it was me.

“That immediately afterwards, officers of the 1st respondent (DSS) arrested me and led me to their vehicle, asking me to keep quiet and drove me to their offices in Asaba, Delta, State.

“That after a while, they disclosed that my arrest was ordered by the Presidency and I had to be taken to Abuja for further interrogation on which basis they drove me to Abuja by road the following day.”

“They thereafter labelled me a criminal for using a phone line that previously belonged to the 2nd respondent,” he said.

“They also disclosed to me that the President wants to see me and my case was boldly earmarked, First Family. Based on the foregoing, officers of the 1st respondent (DSS) maintained that the 2nd respondent (Hanan) must be available to clarify her allegations against me before I was allowed freedom from their facilities.

“That the 2nd respondent (Hanan) was contacted several times by officers of the 1st respondent (DSS) but the 2nd respondent (Hanan) declined making herself available by claiming that she was busy with studies in the United Kingdom.”

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