Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu of the Calabar Federal High Court has directed the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Attorney-General of Cross River State to produce Chief Maurice Omin Iso, a detained traditional ruler, in court on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Chief Iso, the traditional chief of Esuku-Otu Ikot Ansa in Calabar, has been in DSS custody since December 21, 2024, following an order allegedly issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice of Cross River State.
The monarch filed a suit (FHC/CA/CS/3/2025) at the Federal High Court in Calabar, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights, including fair hearing, personal liberty, and freedom of movement. His detention reportedly followed a series of legal victories against the Cross River State government over land and chieftaincy disputes.
Justice Ojukwu found merit in the urgent application submitted by Chief Iso’s counsel, Justina Oka Obono-Obla, and demanded an explanation for the monarch’s continued detention.
Chief Iso was allegedly abducted from his home without access to legal counsel, family, or associates. The state government accuses him of offenses including land grabbing, interference in traditional leadership appointments, misappropriation of community land sale funds, and instigation of land-related disputes.
The court has ordered the DSS and the Attorney-General to present Chief Iso by 9:00 am on January 15, 2025, to address these allegations and clarify the basis for his detention.
