Hanan Buhari , the daughter of the President , Maj . Gen Muhammadu Buhari ( retd. ) , has refused to respond to allegations levelled against her by a trader , Anthony Okolie, who was detained for 10 weeks for using a telephone line previously used by Hanan .
At the hearing of a suit filed against Hanan on Wednesday , her lawyer , M . E . Sheriff , told the court that there was no response to the allegations because there was no need for a response.
He , however , filed a written address in opposition to the originating motion on notice .
Recall that Okolie had through his lawyer , Tope Akinyode , sued Hanan , the Department of State Services and telecommunications company , MTN, over his 10- week detention in DSS in custody .
In the suit , with number FHC / ASB/CS /3 /2020 , Okolie 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 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. ”
The PUNCH reports that when the case was heard by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba at a Federal High Court in Asaba on Wednesday , Hanan ’ s lawyer said there was no response to the allegations yet .
“ My lord , we didn ’ t file a counter -affidavit but a written address .
Justice Dimgba , who seemed surprised , said , “ Why didn ’ t you file a counter -affidavit ?”
Responding , Hanan ’ s lawyer said , “ We didn ’ t file because we haven ’ t found a reason to file a counter -affidavit . ”
The judge subsequently responded , “ What do you mean you haven ’ t seen a reason ? Sheriff , how can you not see a reason ? Somebody has accused you . Even if it is to say, ‘ I didn ’ t do so ’ , can ’ t you respond ? You’ re saying you did not see a reason . Sheriff , what kind of things is this ?”
The lawyer for the DSS , E . E . Daobri , who is also the Principal Staff Officer , Legal Services , DSS , said he did not receive the necessary documents from the DSS headquarters in Abuja on time and thus was unable to file a counter -affidavit .
He asked for a two -week adjournment .
The lawyer to the applicant , Akinyode , asked the court to ensure that the matter was given expedited action, alleging that he and his client were being trailed constantly by the DSS .
Justice Dimgba stated, “ If this is true , Daobri , tell your men to stop it . They need their liberty to be able to come to court . ”
The judge adjourned the matter till March 3 , 2020 .
Source:- Punchng
