The eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Gusau, challenging the breach of their constitutional rights to liberty, human dignity, fair hearing and taking possession of their property without due process.
The suit was against seven respondents, including the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, the Clerk of the Assembly, the Nigeria Police, the Commissioner of Police Zamfara State Command and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The case was for hearing at the Federal High Court this Monday, but there were complaints from the registry that some respondents, such as the police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and others, were not served.
Counsel to the eight suspended lawmakers, Ibrahim Ali, sought a date for the matter to be heard, to enable them to serve the other respondents.
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The Presiding Judge, Justice Aminu Bappah, granted the motion and adjourned the case to April 29 for hearing, to enable them to serve the respondents, who are yet to be served.
Counsel to the eight lawmakers, Ibrahim Ali, said his clients alleged that the Speaker, in connection with the Nigerian Police, Department of State Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have embarked on an attempt to arrest and prosecute them, on the grounds that 17 members of the State Assembly broke into the Zamfara State House of Assembly and sat on February 22, for a plenary session.
Counsel to the respondents declined to comment on the matter after the adjournment to April 29.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
