A former Caretaker Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Lucky Okodeh, has filed a N2bn suit against the Nigerian Army over the publication of his photograph as a wanted person in connection with the killing of 17 military men in the Okuama community of Delta State on March 14, 2024.

The PUNCH reported that on March 14, 2024, 17 officers of the Nigerian Army on a peacekeeping mission were murdered by unknown persons in Okuama in Delta State, causing the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, to declare eight persons wanted.

Although Okodeh’s name was not published, his photo was posted among those declared wanted by the military.

In his suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Okodeh listed as defendants the Chief of Defence Staff; the Armed Forces of Nigeria; the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army.

He claimed that the publication of his photograph as a wanted person negatively affected his political career.

He said he was being considered as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Bayelsa State Local Government election conducted in April but he was dropped after the military published his photograph as a wanted person.

Okodeh claimed that the development made him lose the slot to another candidate who is now enjoying the position and benefits of the Chairman of the Southern Ijaw LGA.

He wants the court to declare as null and void his declaration as a wanted person and to award N2bn in damages against the Nigerian Army.

Okodeh, who claimed that the publication of his photograph as a wanted person made him go into hiding, is also urging the court to compel the Nigerian Army to tender to him a public apology to be published in both print and electronic media so he can have his freedom to live his normal life.

Hearing in the matter, scheduled for Monday, was stalled as the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, was said to have gone for a conference.

By the agreement of the claimant’s counsel, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), and the lawyer for the Nigerian Army, Mike Ebah, the matter was adjourned till October 17, 2024 for mention.