...slams DSS for illegal procurement of arrest warrant, monarch’s detention

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has reportedly slammed N50million Naira fine on the Department of State Services (DSS) for the illegal arrest of Oba Abideen Adeyemi, the Alamo of Ayegbaju-Ijesa in Atakumosa East Local Government of Osun State.

Oba Adeyemi was said to have been arrested following a petition containing various allegations, which was directed to the office of the State Director of State Security Services (DSS).

The matter was presided over by Honourable Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi.

The monarch had sued the Department of State Security Service (DSS) over his forceful arrest and unlawful detention.

He accused operatives of the DSS of harassment and infringement on his fundamental rights in a suit numbered:- FHC/OS/CS/181/224 and brought before the Federal High Court, Osogbo, on August 5, 2024.

The applicant joined both the Director General and the Osun State Director of the DSS as well as Mr Geordi, Mr Amosat, Chief Omololu Afilaka and Rotimi Ajewole, as respondents.

Delivering judgement, Justice Adefunmilola stated that it’s highly unprofessional for the DSS not to investigate the petition before the monarch was arrested.

She slammed the DSS for unlawfully procuring the Magistrate’s arrest warrant to detain the traditional ruler.

Justice Adefunmilola further faulted the action of the DSS against the royal father via a malicious and frivolous petition written against Oba Abideen Adeyemi, saying that the secret police agency deprived the monarch of his fundamental rights as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Nigerian constitution.

The Court therefore awarded the cost of N50million as general damages, being the loss suffered by the applicant.

The Court also awarded N200,000 as cost of litigation against the petitioners.