Journalist and Lawyer, Osa Director has sued the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), for the unlawful seizure of his vehicle and the theft of $1,700 (One Thousand And Seven Hundred Dollars) and an A52 Samsung Galaxy handset.

Information available to www.twin2.org blog shows the case is Suit Number ID/16108MFHR/2023 filed at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Judicial Division. Osa is seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights and the sum of N100 million in damages. Osa alleges that on August 24, 2023, his Ford Edge SUV was ambushed and forcefully driven to an unknown destination by LASTMA officials, along with two individuals dressed in police uniform.

At the time of the seizure, the car contained the sum of $1700, an A52 Samsung Galaxy Handset, and other valuables, such as perfume and hand sanitizers. After writing a petition dated 25th August, 2023, he was invited to LASTMA Head Office on Monday, 4th October, 2023, and the Provost Marshal expressed shock and disappointment at the level of indiscipline exhibited by his officers. The Provost Marshal then insisted that both parties to visit the locus in quo (scene of the incident/crime), and also where the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was searched; however, the valuables were all missing.

In the Affidavit in support of the motion brought in the Application for the enforcement of his fundamental right to life, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement, personal liberty and right to own property under Sections 33, 34, 35 & 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) as amended and under the African Chapter of Human and People’s Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004, Osa detailed how the LASTMA officials ambushed him in a Gestapo manner.

Apart from the recovery of his money and handset, he is seeking payment of damages to the tune of N100,000,000 for subjecting him to untold hardship, trauma, loss of business and violation of his right to life, dignity of human person, liberty, freedom of movement and the right to own property. The matter has been fixed for mention before Justice O.A Odusanya at court 59 on Tuesday 14th November, 2023.