Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu of the Calabar Federal High Court has ordered the Department of State Security, DSS, and attorney general of Cross River State to produce Chief Maurice Omin Iso in court on Wednesday 15th January 2025.
Chief Maurice Omin Iso, the traditional chief of Esuku-Otu Ikot Ansa, Calabar, has been in detention since 21st December 2024 on the directives of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Cross River State.
He was clamped into a detention facility belonging to the DSS where he filed an action for the enforcement of his fundamental right to fair hearing, personal liberty and freedom of movement in the Federal High Court Calabar.
Iso reportedly won court cases involving lands and chieftaincy issues against the Cross River State government, and was allegedly abducted from his home since 21st December 2024.
It was alleged that five local chiefs who are interested in the matter, and are very close to the state security adviser’s office, used their connections to detain Iso unlawfully.
In a suit numbered FHC/CA/CS/3/2025, Justice Ojukwu instructed the State Director of DSS in Calabar and the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice of Cross River State to present Chief Omin Iso to the court on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 9:00 am.
In his order, Justice Ojukwu demanded an explanation for the detention of the traditional ruler.
This followed arguments by Chief Iso’s counsel, Justina Oka Obono-Obla, and a review of his urgent application and supporting documents.
The presiding judge also found merit in Chief Iso’s case and granted the application for a hearing.
Chief Maurice Omin Iso was forcibly taken from his residence in Esuku Otu Ikot Ansa, Calabar, and was prevented from contacting his legal representation, family, or associates.
The Cross River State government accuses Chief Iso of various offenses, including land grabbing, interference in the appointment of a traditional ruler, misappropriation of funds from the sale of community lands, and the instigation of land-related disputes.
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