The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Chief Jim Chimezie Okolo, thereby affirmed the legality of his arrest, investigation, and ongoing prosecution over serious criminal allegations.
In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/197/2021, presided over by Hon. Justice G.K. Olotu, the court ruled that the application by Chief Okolo against Sir Emeka Okwuosa and three others lacked merit and was dismissed in its entirety.
Chief Okolo had challenged his 2021 arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), seeking a perpetual injunction against further arrests and N500 million in exemplary damages. He alleged unlawful detention and infringement on his fundamental rights.
However, the court held that Sir Emeka Okwuosa acted within his rights by reporting threats and attempted extortion to security agencies. The DSS was also found to have acted lawfully in investigating the matter and forwarding its findings to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who initiated prosecution in line with constitutional powers.
Chief Okolo currently facing a 17-count charge in FRN v. Jim Okolo & 3 Ors before Hon. Justice S.U. Bature of the FCT High Court, Maitama. The charges included criminal intimidation, false information, fabrication of evidence, and perjury.
According to court filings, Okolo and his associates allegedly tried to extort $5 million or 5% of the $2.8 billion AKK Gas Pipeline contract from Okwuosa and his company, Oilserv Ltd., claiming they facilitated the contract. When payment was refused, they reportedly resorted to threats. Okwuosa denied any such agreement, affirming the contract was won through a competitive bidding process.
In a separate case, FRN v. Jim Chimezie Okolo & 2 Ors, currently before Hon. Justice A.Y. Shafa of the FCT High Court, Gwagwalada, Okolo faces charges of conspiracy, job racketeering, and impersonation of a federal lawmaker. He was initially remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre before being granted bail. Trial in both cases is ongoing.
The court’s decision marked a major legal setback for Chief Okolo and affirms the authority of Nigeria’s security agencies and the AGF in prosecuting serious crimes.
