In a bold move against perceived injustice, eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have taken legal action against key state officials, including the Speaker and the Attorney General.
Their lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Gusau, raises serious concerns over the violation of their constitutional rights to liberty, dignity, fair hearing, and due process.
The defendants named in the suit are significant figures in Zamfara’s governance, including the State Attorney-General and Commissioner For Justice, Abdulaziz Sani (SAN); the embattled Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki; the Assembly’s Clerk, Mahmoud Mohammed; and law enforcement bodies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Service (DSS).
According to Ibrahim Alli, the legal representative for the lawmakers, his clients accuse the Speaker of colluding with the police, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to unlawfully target and prosecute them.
This alleged persecution stems from their participation in a plenary session on February 22, 2024, which the authorities deemed unauthorized, along with accusations of forcefully entering the Assembly premises.
Despite the urgency of the matter, the proceedings encountered delays at the Federal High Court on Monday due to incomplete service of summons to certain respondents, notably the police, the DSS Director, and others.
In response, Ibrahim Alli requested a postponement to ensure proper notification of all involved parties.
Presiding judge Justice Aminu Bappa granted the motion for adjournment, rescheduling the case for April 29th, 2024.
This extension allows the plaintiffs ample time to serve the outstanding respondents and prepares the stage for what promises to be a significant legal battle over constitutional rights and political accountability in Zamfara State.