Mr Godknows Jacob who was arrested in Portharcourt, Rivers State in May 2020, by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been freed by a Rivers State High Court.
Mr Jacob was arrested by the DSS and thereafter, handed over to the Nigerian Army who detained him at their Bori Camp, Port Harcourt.
I. C. Ejiofor & Co. law firm had filed an application on behalf of Mr Jacob for the enforcement of his fundamental rights in Suit No: FHC/PH/FHR/98/2020 before the Federal High Court, Portharcourt, Rivers State.
The court delivered judgement in Mr Godknows Jacob’s favour on the 15th day of January 2021.
The Court which ordered for his unconditional release, also awarded compensatory damages of ₦1 million, in his favour for the gross violation of his fundamental rights.
According to Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the Lead Counsel of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, rather than release Mr. Jacob as directed by the Court, the Nigerian Army handed him back to the DSS. The DSS then filed a baseless charge of terrorism against him before the Magistrate Court in Portharcourt, and the Court consequently, directed that he be remanded in the state’s Correctional Facility.
“Being circumspect of the trajectory of the institution whose game plan was directed towards forum shopping for the innocent man’s perpetual incarceration, we vigorously pursued his freedom at the Rivers State High Court by commencing an Originating Process for his release in Suit No: PHC/1465/CS/2021.
“The Court consequently, found merit in our application and granted Mr Jacob bail, on terms which were promptly perfected. Today, being the 6th day of July 2022, Mr Jacob has gone home a free man. Justice can only be delayed but cannot be denied.
“We immensely appreciate the efforts and dedication of Augustine Ezeokeke, Esq. of I. C. Ejiofor & Co., and Ogbonna Ezekiel, who worked tirelessly to ensure the release of Mr. Godknows Jacob.
“Victory such as this encourages us not to relent, but to continue to put in more efforts towards securing the release of our brothers and sisters, unjustly incarcerated at various detention facilities across the country”.
“A luta continua; vitória é certa”.
