cabinets in search of documents. During this time, all the staff members present were kept
confined to the library, only one at a time being summoned to assist with the searching of their
desks.
15. At the end of the search, thirteen computers, official files and diskettes were carted away by
the SSS operatives. Most of files and documents were copied and photocopied.
16. Despite various protests by the staff, no warrant of arrest was presented to justify the search.
17. Furthermore, 5 staff of CLO were arrested and detained at the Awolowo Road office of the
SSS. Three were released the same night, while Mr Okezie Ugochukwu and Ibrahim Ismail were
detained for 2 days and nights and made to pass through very horrendous interrogation
proceedings.
18. After their release, they were mandated to report on a daily basis to the SSS office, where
they underwent continuing interrogations.
19. The Complainant alleges further that all the materials seized (except for one computer) were
released.
20. It is also alleged that Mr Agbakoba was later removed to Enugu Prison, 600 km east of
Lagos.
21. The Complainant alleges further that throughout his period of detention, Mr Agbakoba was
neither charged with any crime, nor allowed access to his family, friends, doctors, or lawyers. He
was later released on 26th May 1998.
22. It is alleged that lawsuits were filed at the Federal High Court by Huri-laws challenging the
arrest and detention of Mr Agbakoba, and by CLO challenging the arrest and detention of Mr
Ifowodo, but these suits were unsuccessful since the State Security (Detention of Persons)
Decree, No. 2 of 1984, ousts the jurisdiction of the regular courts.
Complaint
23. The Complainant alleges violations of Articles 5, 6,7, 9, 1014 and 26 of the Charter.
Procedure
24. At its 25th Ordinary Session held in Bujumbura, Burundi, the Commission decided to be
seized of the communication, and requested the Secretariat to notify the Nigerian government. It
also requested the Secretariat to submit an opinion on the admissibility of the communication,
particularly in accordance with Article 56 (7) of the Charter, in relation to Nigeria’s current
political situation.
25. On 19th August 1999, the Secretariat of the Commission notified the parties of this decision.
26. On 21th October 1999, the Secretariat received a letter from the Complainant informing it that
they would not attend the 26th Ordinary Session due to lack of funds, but authorised Ms Julia
Harrington of the Institute for Human Rights and Development to represent them.
27. During the 26th Ordinary Session held in Kigali, Rwanda, the Secretariat received a
submission from Ms Julia Harrington on Additional Information relating to the Admissibility of
the communication.
28. At its 26th Ordinary Session held in Kigali, Rwanda, the Commission declared the
communication admissible and requested parties to submit written arguments on the merit of the
case.
29. On 17th January 2000, the Secretariat notified the parties of the above decision.