Lawyers sue Tinubu over South-East checkpoints — A group of lawyers has sued President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian Army over what they described as a military siege in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The lawyers want the court to order the removal of military checkpoints across the region. They are also seeking N500 billion in compensation for alleged rights violations.
They argued that the heavy military presence has caused hardship for residents, disrupted businesses, and restricted freedom of movement.
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According to court documents, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether the deployment of soldiers and the operation of numerous checkpoints on major roads are lawful.
They also requested an order directing the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to dismantle the checkpoints. The lawyers described the checkpoints as tools of intimidation and harassment.
The legal team said residents have endured years of military operations that have affected transportation, commerce, and daily life.
One of the lawyers involved in the suit said the action aims to restore constitutional rights.
“The people of the South-East deserve the same constitutional protections enjoyed by every Nigerian. Security measures must not trample on fundamental human rights,” the lawyer said.
The plaintiffs acknowledged the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order. However, they insisted authorities must operate within constitutional limits.
They claimed the military presence has created tension in many communities. They also alleged that residents suffer delays and financial losses at checkpoints.
According to the lawyers, many traders and business owners face repeated security checks that slow movement and economic activities.
“No democratic society should normalize the permanent deployment of military forces among civilians. Security must go hand in hand with respect for civil liberties,” another lawyer said.
The suit seeks N500 billion in damages. The lawyers said the amount reflects the economic and psychological impact of the military operations on residents.
The Federal Government has consistently defended military deployments across the country. Officials argue that security agencies need such operations to fight insecurity and violent crime.
The Nigerian Army has also maintained that its operations help protect lives and property. It said soldiers support other security agencies in preserving peace.
Authorities often link the security measures in the South-East to efforts to combat separatist violence and criminal activities.
Security agencies also argue that checkpoints help them gather intelligence, prevent crimes, and intercept suspects.
Critics, however, question the effectiveness of the strategy. They argue that law-abiding citizens bear the burden of the restrictions.
The lawsuit adds to a growing number of court cases challenging government security policies. Human rights lawyers increasingly rely on the courts to test the legality of such measures.
Observers believe the outcome could influence future security operations in the South-East and other parts of the country.
The court is expected to hear arguments from both sides in the coming weeks.
The case is likely to reignite debate over the balance between national security and fundamental human rights in a democratic society.
Keyphrase: Lawyers sue Tinubu over South-East checkpoints.
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