A lagos Federal High Court yesterday ordered the navy to release a boatman, Olalekan Malik, who has been detained since August 29 last year.
Justice Muslim Hassan ordered Malik’s release, after his lawyer, McAnthony Aikharialea, moved an ex-parte motion for his bail.
The lawyer argued that his client has been detained beyond the constitutionally-stipulated time.
In an affidavit, Malik averred that he was arrested on August 29 at the Naval Anchorage Station, Atlas Cove in Lagos when he went to search for his missing boats.
He said to his surprise, he was was made to spend Christmas and New Year in detention.
The Chief of Naval Staff and Officer-in-Charge of Naval Post, Atlas Cove, Lagos, Aminu Goni, are the respondents in the case.
Aikharialea said another judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, last October 25 ordered that Malik be produced in court, but the Navy did not.
Ruling, Justice Hassan held: “From the court’s records, the first and second respondents were duly served with the hearing notice…that shows they are aware that the matter was coming up today (yesterday).
“On this ground, I’m compelled to grant the applicant’s bail application. The applicant is hereby admitted to bail in the sum of N3million with one surety.
“The surety must be a landed property owner within the court’s jurisdiction, or a public servant with Lagos State or Federal Government, who must not be an officer not below Grade Level 14.”
Malik is praying for N100 million damages from the respondents for breaching his fundamental rights.
Justice Hassan adjourned till January 17.
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