Manhole accident: Falana files N100m suit against govt

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has sued the Federal
Capital Development Authority, seeking N100m damages for the
injuries he allegedly sustained when he fell into an uncovered
manhole on the street of Abuja.

In the suit, marked, CV/0248/17, Falana claimed to have on
October 27 fallen into a manhole while walking along the Shehu
Shagari Way, Maitama District, Abuja.

He claimed to have suffered a sprain to his right knee when he
fell into the uncovered manhole, adding that he had to undergo a
series of medical procedures, which caused him severe pain as well
as physical, psychological and emotional trauma.

He said he now had to endure carrying a POP cast about and
walking with the aid of crutches for at least four weeks, subject
to his doctor’s advice.

He said apart from the fact that the accident disrupted his
business, he had to pay N209,580 as medical bill at the National
Hospital, Abuja where he was rushed to and admitted.

Falana is seeking a court declaration that the FCDA failed in
its responsibility of either ensuring that the manhole was properly
covered up or putting up a caution sign to warn 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 plaintiff specifically avers that he experiences severe and
excruciating pain when he is walking from one point to the
other.

“The plaintiff avers that the defendant’s negligence caused the
accident which led to the severe sprain on his right knee.

“The defendant is the Federal Capital Development Authority, a
body established by an Act of the National Assembly with a duty to
construct and maintain such roads, railways, sidings, tramways,
bridges, reservoirs, watercourses, buildings, plant and machinery
and such other works as may be necessary for, or conducive to, the
discharge of its functions under the Act establishing it.”

The lawyer is praying the court to order the FCDA to immediately
ensure that all the manholes in Abuja are covered up.

He wants the court to order the defendant to refund his medical
bill of N209, 580 and pay him N100m in damages.

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has sued the Federal
Capital Development Authority, seeking N100m damages for the
injuries he allegedly sustained when he fell into an uncovered
manhole on the street of Abuja.

In the suit, marked, CV/0248/17, Falana claimed to have on
October 27 fallen into a manhole while walking along the Shehu
Shagari Way, Maitama District, Abuja.

He claimed to have suffered a sprain to his right knee when he
fell into the uncovered manhole, adding that he had to undergo a
series of medical procedures, which caused him severe pain as well
as physical, psychological and emotional trauma.

He said he now had to endure carrying a POP cast about and
walking with the aid of crutches for at least four weeks, subject
to his doctor’s advice.

He said apart from the fact that the accident disrupted his
business, he had to pay N209,580 as medical bill at the National
Hospital, Abuja where he was rushed to and admitted.

Falana is seeking a court declaration that the FCDA failed in
its responsibility of either ensuring that the manhole was properly
covered up or putting up a caution sign to warn 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 plaintiff specifically avers that he experiences severe and
excruciating pain when he is walking from one point to the
other.

“The plaintiff avers that the defendant’s negligence caused the
accident which led to the severe sprain on his right knee.

“The defendant is the Federal Capital Development Authority, a
body established by an Act of the National Assembly with a duty to
construct and maintain such roads, railways, sidings, tramways,
bridges, reservoirs, watercourses, buildings, plant and machinery
and such other works as may be necessary for, or conducive to, the
discharge of its functions under the Act establishing it.”

The lawyer is praying the court to order the FCDA to immediately
ensure that all the manholes in Abuja are covered up.

He wants the court to order the defendant to refund his medical
bill of N209, 580 and pay him N100m in damages.