By Godwin Oghre

Sapele—Seven Muslim leaders in Delta State have petitioned the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, alleging that they were forcefully imprisoned by his Executive Assistant on Religious Matters, Bishop Nmalagu Greatman, for over 30 minutes, when the latter invited them to a meeting in his office.

Okowa

They are demanding N10 million compensation and an apology from the governor’s aide, in three national newspapers within 14 days or risk legal action.

The petitioners are Alhaji Abubakar Mumakai-Unagha, Alhaji Wasiu Udi, Alhaji Jubril Jenje, Alhaji Mohammed Kiti, Alhaji Ibrahim Miphoro, Alhaji Yusuf Eregbene and Alhaji Muhammadu Okotie.

They alleged in the petition that, “For over 30 minutes, we were locked up and despite pleas, we were kept in the office against our fundamental human rights to freedom of movement, association, liberty and dignity of life, under section 33, 34, 35, 40 and 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and Article XIII and XX of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and we hereby demand N10 million from the governor’s aide or we will take legal action against him, 14 days from today (yesterday).”

They alleged that, “When eventually the door was opened, some of us had collapsed and fainted due to suffocation and trauma which we passed through and those of us who fainted were subsequently rushed to a nearby clinic for medical attention.”

Efforts to reach Bishop Greatman for comment were unsuccessful at press time. His mobile phone rang several times and was not answered.