Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has expressed disappointment after the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his ₦10 billion fundamental human rights suit against Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting shortly after the judgment, the actor questioned the meaning of fundamental human rights, arguing that people could experience alleged rights violations, online bullying and public embarrassment without obtaining the justice they seek.
“It’s even crazy that your right will be violated and the judge will tell you it’s not a fundamental human right. Then what is a fundamental human right? The embarrassment, the bullying online,” Ike said.
Why the Court Dismissed the Suit
Justice Salim Ibrahim, in a judgment delivered on Wednesday, upheld preliminary objections filed by the respondents, ruling that the suit was incompetent and improperly constituted.
The court consequently dismissed the case, which sought ₦10 billion in damages over alleged violations of the actor’s fundamental human rights.
The ruling marks a setback for Ike, who had approached the court seeking redress over the alleged infringement of his rights.
His reaction has also drawn attention to the legal questions surrounding fundamental rights claims and the requirements that applicants must satisfy when bringing such cases before the courts.
However, the court’s decision to dismiss the suit on grounds of competence and improper constitution does not, by itself, establish that the alleged conduct did not occur. The specific reasons contained in the full judgment would be necessary to assess the legal basis of the ruling.
