Two Al Jazeera journalists, Ahmed Idris, a reporter, and Ali Mustapha, a cameraman, have sued the chief of army staff, Gen Kenneth Minimah for breaching their human rights.
Al Jazeera journalists, Ahmed Idris – a reporter and Ali Mustapha – a cameraman
Two journalists were imprisoned on March 24, in their hotel room in Maiduguri, Borno state capital for “loitering” in areas were combat operations were occurring.
A comment by the Defence Headquarters stated the journalists were moving around “restricted areas” in Yobe and Borno states without the military’s authorization or clearance.
Femi Falana, the lawyer representing the journalists, requested a ruling that the capture and their continued detention by the army were unlawful and undemocratic, thereby violating their right to personal liberty guaranteed by Section 34, 35 and 41 of the constitution and Article 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on the Human and Peoples’ Right Act.
They also sought an injunction forcing the Nigerian army and General Minimah to free the journalists from illegal military captivity immediately.
The deposition also claimed that “loitering or wandering” were not crimes known to law; and the applicants were entitled to their liberty, freedom of movement and integrity to human person as guaranteed by Section 34, 35 and 41 of the constitution.
Peter Nkanga of the Committee to Protect Journalists said the journalists had not been in contact since 10.10pm on Wednesday. He said their phones were confiscated from them by the army.
A spokesman for the army, Sani Usman, directed all enquiries on the matter to the director of defence information, Major General Chris Olukolade, who could not be contacted for comment.
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