“No Interference With Security” — Court Orders Man To Pay SSS N5 Million For Frivolous Human Rights Case

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered Sunday Dominic to pay the Department of State Services (DSS) N5 million as punitive costs for filing what the court described as a “frivolous” lawsuit against the secret police.

Dominic had approached the court under suit number FCT/HC/CV/3984/2024, claiming that the DSS invited him for questioning and threatened to arrest him on suspicion of fraudulent activities, actions he alleged violated his fundamental rights. He sought a declaratory order against the DSS and N10 million in compensation.

In delivering judgment, Justice A. Y. Shafa found that Dominic failed to prove any breach of his rights, after examining the plaintiff’s evidence alongside the DSS’s defence and counter-affidavit. The judge dismissed the case as baseless and ordered Dominic to pay N5 million to the DSS.

Commenting on the ruling, a senior legal practitioner praised the decision, noting that it reinforces the authority of security agencies in carrying out their duties without undue interference.

“This ruling reinforces the principle that security agencies have a critical role to play, and they must be allowed to carry out their duties without unnecessary interference,” the lawyer said.

He further added, “If security operatives cannot invite suspects or witnesses for inquiries, their ability to deliver on national security and enforce the law would be severely compromised. The court’s decision sends a clear message discouraging frivolous litigations against security agencies, which could otherwise hinder their operations and impede justice.”

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