A former militant turned beneficiary of Nigeria’s Presidential Amnesty Programme is demanding justice in court after his stipend payments were withheld for seven months. Citron Ebimene, a member of the Third Phase Amnesty Programme, has taken legal action against the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and ex-militant leader Richard Ama Ebiye, accusing them of conspiring to freeze his account and block access to his stipends.
Ebimene, who has been receiving stipends as part of his participation in the programme, claims that the actions of UBA and Ebiye have deprived him of his rightful payments since May 2024. His legal suit, filed at the Bayelsa State High Court, is seeking both the unfreezing of his account and a declaration that his human rights have been violated by the actions of the defendants.
The case has caught the attention of many, given the sensitivity of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which was established to rehabilitate former militants and provide financial support to help reintegrate them into society. Ebimene’s suit highlights how corruption and alleged collusion between bank officials and ex-militant leaders can undermine the intentions of such crucial government initiatives.
“I have been deprived of my stipends for the last seven months, and I cannot understand why my account was blocked without notice,” Ebimene told reporters outside the court. “This is a breach of my rights and a setback for the efforts to promote peace in the Niger Delta region.”
Ebimene is asking the court to declare that the actions taken by UBA and Ebiye constitute an infringement of his human rights. He also wants the court to order the immediate unfreezing of his account and compensation for the suffering caused by the withholding of his payments.
The Background: Presidential Amnesty Programme and Its Impact
Launched in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was aimed at rehabilitating ex-militants in the Niger Delta, an oil-rich region that has been plagued by violence, criminal activity, and unrest. Under the programme, participants receive monthly stipends as financial support during their rehabilitation. In exchange, they agree to renounce violence and surrender their weapons.
However, the programme has faced numerous challenges over the years, including allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and claims that payments are sometimes delayed or blocked. Ebimene’s case is not an isolated one, as many other former militants have reported similar issues with accessing their stipends, which are essential for their livelihood.
The Niger Delta region has witnessed several protests over the years as former militants demand their stipends and the full implementation of the amnesty programme. The current legal battle brings these issues back into the spotlight, particularly the involvement of financial institutions and individuals in potentially undermining the programme’s objectives.
The Alleged Collusion Between UBA and Ex-Militant Leader
According to Ebimene, the reason for the blocking of his account stems from a dispute involving Richard Ama Ebiye, a former militant leader. Ebimene claims that Ebiye allegedly colluded with UBA officials to freeze his account over a supposed illegal deduction arrangement between the two. This has left Ebimene unable to access his stipend for over half a year, despite the fact that the Presidential Amnesty Programme should be providing him with regular payments.
In his legal filing, Ebimene outlined that the blocking of his account violated the Presidential Amnesty Order, which guarantees that beneficiaries like him are entitled to receive their stipends without interference. He further argued that the actions of UBA and Ebiye were based on fraudulent misrepresentation, which led to the unlawful freezing of his account.
“The law is clear. Once you are part of the Amnesty Programme, you are entitled to your stipends,” Ebimene said during an interview. “I want the court to address this injustice and ensure that no one else suffers as I have.”
What Ebimene Wants from the Court
Ebimene’s case, which is set to be heard on December 18, 2024, is focused on obtaining a court order that will lift the block on his bank account. He is also seeking a declaration that the freeze and the actions of the bank and the ex-militant leader are unlawful and a violation of his rights. In his suit, Ebimene requests that the court rule in his favor and remove any restrictions placed on his bank account, allowing him to access his amnesty stipend without further hindrance.
“My hope is that the court will restore justice. I want the truth to come out, and I want to be able to access the money that is rightfully mine,” he said with a determined look. “This is not just about me; it is about ensuring that the Amnesty Programme fulfills its promise to former militants in the region.”
