The people of Odioama Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have recorded a landmark victory in their long-running quest for justice over the military invasion of the community in February 2005.
The development followed a judgment delivered by the Bayelsa State High Court on Monday, September 28, 2026, which dismissed the preliminary objection filed by the respondents — the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff.
In the judgment, the court affirmed its jurisdiction to entertain the suit under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, thereby paving the way for the determination of the claims arising from the military operation in Odioama.
The court subsequently awarded ₦20 billion in general damages against the Federal Government over alleged violations arising from the military invasion, including the killing of civilians, alleged cruel and degrading treatment of members of the traditional institution, and the destruction and pillaging of properties belonging to residents of the community.
The judgment, according to the Odioama Kingdom Legal Team, represents a major development after more than two decades of legal struggle and emotional trauma suffered by the people.
Reacting to the judgment, the legal team said the decision reaffirmed the principle that fundamental human rights are protected by the Constitution and that state institutions are not above the law.
While describing the judgment as a historic victory for the people of Odioama, the team acknowledged that no amount of financial compensation could restore the lives lost during the 2005 military operation or completely erase the psychological scars left on survivors and the community.
It, however, said the ₦20 billion award sends a strong message that the military, whose constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens, must operate within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
The legal team commended the former Executive of the Odioama Kingdom Council of Chiefs, led by Chief Sunday Igbogisa-Indawari, for its perseverance, as well as Hon. (Barr.) Philemon K. Dickson, Mr. Forcebray Iniegha Eketekpe and the entire people of Odioama Kingdom for sustaining the struggle for justice.
The team also called on the Federal Government to accept the judgment in good faith, tender a public apology to the people of Odioama and comply with the monetary order of the court.
The statement, signed by Barr. J.J. Calmday, Legal Adviser, Odioama in the Diaspora and member of the Odioama Kingdom Legal Team, said the judgment should be regarded as an important step towards justice, accountability and reconciliation.