A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has slated December 10, 2024, for a verdict in a fundamental human rights enforcement lawsuit amounting to N1.06 billion, filed by Mr. Steven Amos and his wife Doris against the Lagos State Government and other parties concerning the 14-year disappearance of their mentally challenged son, Kingsley Amos.
The case, identified as ID/13107MFHR/22, names the Lagos State Government, the Attorney General of Lagos State, the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the Inspector General of Police as defendants. The plaintiffs include Mr. Steven Amos, Mrs. Doris Amos, and their missing son, Kingsley.
Justice L.A.F. Oluyemi established the judgment date after the respondents failed to defend the case since it was initiated and served. The suit centers on allegations of the illegal arrest, detention, and possible death of Kingsley Amos, who vanished after being taken into custody by agents of Lagos State in 2010.
Represented by their attorney, Eze Alala, the Amos family contends that Kingsley, who was undergoing treatment for mental health issues, was taken without their consent during a raid by Lagos State officials in the Ojodu area. He was subsequently located at the Majidun Rehabilitation Centre, but on April 14, 2010, authorities notified the family that Kingsley and several others had been transferred to an undisclosed location. Since then, Kingsley has not been seen.
The plaintiffs assert that despite repeated inquiries, Lagos State officials have failed to provide any information about Kingsley’s whereabouts, resulting in significant psychological and emotional distress for his parents. They are requesting a court order for the immediate release of Kingsley, whether he is alive or deceased, along with N1 billion in compensation for unlawful arrest, detention, and torture, as well as N50 million in exemplary damages. Additionally, they seek a public apology from the respondents to be published in national newspapers and an extra N10 million to cover legal expenses.
The Amos family has voiced their profound frustration regarding the lack of transparency and accountability from the Lagos State Government and police, emphasizing that this incident has led to years of suffering for them.
