Lawyer vows to challenge Appeal Court verdict on extra-judicial killings

Human rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, has vowed to appeal a judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which dismissed his case against the Federal Government over alleged extra-judicial killings in Nigeria.

The Appeal Court upheld a lower court’s decision, stating that Ekpenyong lacked the necessary legal standing to file the appeal.

A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Joseph Oyewole, unanimously held that Ekpenyong’s originating summons failed to disclose a reasonable cause of action, and therefore, he had no locus standi to file the appeal.

The court also awarded a cost of N100,000 against Ekpenyong, which he argued was excessive and punitive.

Ekpenyong had filed a suit seeking to address the prevalence of extra-judicial killings by law enforcement agencies and non-state actors.

He alleged that the frequent loss of human lives in Nigeria had put him in reasonable apprehension that his right to life would be contravened.

He sought a declaration that his right to life extends beyond physical existence and includes the right to live a meaningful, complete, and dignified life.

The lawyer also sought an order compelling the defendants to overhaul and reform the Nigerian police and other law enforcement agencies to incorporate forensic science in their criminal investigations.

However, the court held that Ekpenyong’s appeal lacked merit and dismissed it.

Ekpenyong has vowed to challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court, stating that he will not relent in his quest for justice and an end to extra-judicial killings in Nigeria.