 the sum of ₦5 million as punitive damages){kind=link}
— Judge says claimant failed to prove any rights violation
An Abuja High Court has ordered one Sunday Dominic to pay the Department of State Services (DSS) the sum of ₦5 million as punitive damages for filing what it described as a “frivolous and baseless” human rights suit against the agency.
Dominic had approached the court in suit number FCT/HC/CV/3984/2024, alleging that DSS operatives violated his fundamental rights by inviting him for questioning and threatening to arrest him over suspected fraudulent activities. He sought a declaration that the agency’s actions infringed on his right to life, dignity, and personal liberty, and demanded ₦10 million in compensation.
However, in his judgment, Justice A.Y. Shafa held that Dominic failed to establish any breach of his rights, noting that the DSS acted within its lawful mandate.
After reviewing the applicant’s claims alongside the Service’s defence and counter-affidavit, the court ruled that the case lacked merit and dismissed it in its entirety, ordering Dominic to pay ₦5 million to the DSS as a deterrent against frivolous litigation.
Reacting to the judgment, a senior legal practitioner praised the ruling, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening the operational efficiency of Nigeria’s security agencies.
“This ruling reinforces the principle that security agencies must be allowed to carry out their duties without undue interference,” he said. “If operatives cannot invite suspects or witnesses for questioning, their capacity to maintain law and order would be gravely undermined.”
He added that the verdict sends a clear warning to those who file unfounded suits aimed at obstructing security operations and the administration of justice.
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