The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to release five worshippers who were arrested at Dunamis International Gospel Centre on July 4 for wearing t-shirts with “Buhari Must Go” on them.
Ben Manasseh, Anene Udoka, Henry Nwodo, Samuel Larry and Samuel Gabriel were arrested for wearing the t-shirts to a Sunday Service at Dunamis International Gospel Centre Headquarters in Lugbe.
Justice Anwuli Chikere gave the order following separate ex parte applications filed on their behalf by their lawyer, Mr Tope Temokun.
They had sued the DSS, President Muhammadu Buhari, the church’s pastor Pastor Paul Enenche and others for alleged unlawful arrest and detention.
They prayed the court to declare their arrest and detention unlawful, also asked the court to award N10 million, each, in damages, for the violation of their fundamental rights.
Temokun had argued in separate suits that his clients were entitled to the fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, right to freedom of expression and the press, right to freedom from discrimination and right to personal liberty.
According to him, the rights are guaranteed under Sections 35, 38, 39 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and under Articles 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights Ratification and Enforcement.
Other defendants include the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Yusuf Bichi and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Chikere adjourned the matter until August 2 for a hearing.
