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Femi Falana plans to sue IBB over his unlawful detention during the 1992 “IBB Must Go” protests
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Falana claims IBB’s admission of wrongdoing in the June 12 annulment revives his case for malicious prosecution
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has disclosed plans to sue former military ruler Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) over his unlawful detention during the 1992 IBB Must Go protests.
Falana made this revelation during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, stating that IBB’s recent admission of wrongdoing in annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election has revived the case.
Falana recounted how he, alongside other activists, was arrested in Lagos and transferred to Abuja, where they were detained at Kuje Prison in 1992.
He further revealed that the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who went to court to challenge their arrest, was also detained for defending them.
“During the popular IBB Must Go campaign, we were arrested in Lagos and brought to the FCT, where we were detained at Kuje Prison. Chief Fawehinmi went to court on our behalf but was also arrested and brought to Kuje,” Falana recalled.
He narrated how he and his fellow detainees were later charged with treasonable felony at the Gwagwalada Chief Magistrate Court, despite having no legal representation.
“Since we had no access to our lawyer, the late Gani Fawehinmi and I decided to defend our colleagues. We turned our arraignment into the trial of the junta,” he said.
Falana insists there was no legal justification for their detention, as they only protested against IBB’s attempts to extend his military rule.
“IBB postponed the terminal date of his transition, which was what we were fighting against. That means there was no basis for our detention and the massive violation of our human rights,” he stated.
According to him, detaining him at Kuje Prison deprived him of his right to liberty, freedom of movement, and political participation.
Falana concluded that IBB’s recent public acknowledgement of mistakes had brought the matter back to life, and he intends to challenge his malicious prosecution in court.
“The matter is not settled because the man who did it has now admitted he was wrong. I am going to challenge my malicious prosecution and that of my colleagues,” Falana affirmed.
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