Sesugh Akume sues Human Rights Commission, others over alleged inaction on military atrocities in Benue

Public policy analyst Sesugh Akume has filed a lawsuit against the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), its Executive Secretary, Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, SAN, and the Chair of its Governing Board, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, over their alleged failure to address reported atrocities by the Nigerian military in Benue State.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1135/2024, was filed on August 8, 2024, with the respondents reportedly receiving court processes on August 14, 2024.

Akume’s lawsuit stems from an incident on March 7, 2023, where operatives of the joint military “Operation Whirl Stroke” allegedly attacked the Jootar community in Sankera, Benue, resulting in the death of Mr. Iniongo Verve, severe injury to Mr. Aondowase Abeda, and the theft of nearly 100 motorcycles.

The incident was widely reported by the Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI), a socio-cultural pressure group.

Akume reported the matter to the NHRC on March 31, 2023. Preliminary investigations were conducted by the NHRC’s Benue office, which gathered evidence and submitted it to the Abuja head office.

However, the NHRC later informed Akume that the matter had been referred to the military for self-investigation, a decision Akume found unacceptable.

Despite repeated appeals to the NHRC and other relevant authorities, Akume claims his concerns were ignored, leading him to seek legal redress.

He is asking the court to compel the NHRC to conclude its investigation, apologize to and compensate the victims, and return or replace the stolen motorcycles.

Akume is also seeking damages for the trauma and stress he has endured due to the NHRC’s handling of the case.

The case is scheduled to commence on September 12, 2024, before Justice P. O. Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.