A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has scheduled December 10, 2024, for judgment in a N1.06 billion fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by Mr. Steven Amos and his wife Doris against the Lagos State Government and others over the disappearance of their mentally challenged son, Kingsley Amos, 14 years ago.

The lawsuit, marked ID/13107MFHR/22, names the Lagos State Government, the Attorney General of Lagos State, the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, and the Inspector General of Police as respondents. The applicants are Mr. Steven Amos, his wife Doris, and their missing son, Kingsley.

Justice L.A.F. Oluyemi fixed the judgment date following the respondents? failure to defend the matter since it was filed and served. The suit centers on the alleged illegal arrest, detention, and possible death of Kingsley Amos, who disappeared after being taken into custody by Lagos State agents in 2010.

The Amos family, represented by their counsel, Eze Alala, argued that Kingsley, who was undergoing treatment for mental illness, was taken without their knowledge during a raid by the Lagos State authorities in the Ojodu area. He was later found at the Majidun Rehabilitation Centre, but on April 14, 2010, officials informed the family that Kingsley, along with others, had been transferred to an undisclosed location. Kingsley has not been seen since.

The plaintiffs claim that despite multiple inquiries, Lagos State officials have refused to disclose Kingsley?s whereabouts, causing immense psychological and emotional distress to his parents. They are seeking a court order for the immediate release of Kingsley, dead or alive, as well as N1 billion in compensation for his unlawful arrest, detention, and torture, along with N50 million in exemplary damages. They also request a public apology from the respondents in national newspapers and an additional N10 million to cover the cost of legal action.

The Amos family has expressed deep frustration with the lack of transparency and accountability from the Lagos State Government and police, stating that the incident has subjected them to years of anguish. (Vanguard)

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