Falana sues FCDA for N100m over manhole accident

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has sued the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at the High Court in Abuja over failure to cover up manholes on Abuja streets.

Falana said he fell into one of such manholes and sustained severe injury.

He is praying for an order directing the defendant to pay him N100million as general damages.

He also sought a declaration that the defendant was negligent and failed to ensure his safety.

The SAN claimed that on October 27, while walking on Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama District, Abuja, he fell into an uncovered manhole which had no inscription around it to caution road users, especially pedestrians.

He prayed the court to hold that the FCDA’s negligence led to the accident which caused a severe sprain on his right knee.

Falana sought an order directing the defendant to close up all uncovered manholes in the FCT.

He also wants the defendant to pay him N209, 580.00 as specific damages.

Falana said: “The defendant owes all road users including the plaintiff a duty of care by ensuring that the roads within the Federal Capital Territory are safe for all road users.

“The defendant ought to know that leaving a manhole open in the middle of the road was dangerous for all road users, especially pedestrians. The defendant owes the plaintiff a duty of care to ensure his safety while walking on Sheu Shagari Way, Maitama District, Abuja.

“The failure of the defendant to exercise reasonable care for the safety of road users especially pedestrians by covering the manhole in the middle of the road caused the accident leading to the severe sprain the ‘plaintiff suffered on his right knee.”

Falana added that he was in “severe and excruciating pain” when the accident occurred.

 

 

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