Former attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali and former inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar have been directed to file their defences by July 6 in reply to a suit by Citizens Declaration coordinator Khairuddin Abu Hassan.

Khairuddin is seeking RM8.83 million in damages from the government for what he claims was wrongful detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 three years ago.

Today's directive was made by Kuala Lumpur High Court deputy registrar Catherine Nicholas following case management.

Nicholas also ordered each of the other defendants in the suit – investigating officers Wan Aeidil Wan Abdullah, M Chelliah and Habibi Majinji, deputy public prosecutors Masri Mohd Daud and Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud, and the government – to file defences.

This was revealed by Khairuddin's lawyer Mohd Haniff Khatri Abdulla today.

Khairuddin was detained under Sosma after he lodged reports with foreign authorities on the matter of losses allegedly suffered by 1MDB.

He was detained under Section 124C of the Penal Code on Sept 18, 2015, and upon his release on Sept 23, was rearrested under Sosma and charged under Section 124L for alleged sabotage of financial institutions.

Khairuddin was released on Nov 18, 2015, when the High Court ruled that Sosma could not be cited for the offence under Section 124L.

In his statement of claim, Khairuddin said the defendants had abetted with former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak on issues related to 1MDB which led to his arrest.

He is seeking RM5.23 million in general damages, RM2.6 million for exemplary damages, RM1 million for prospective and continuing damages as well as aggravated damages and other relief deemed fit by the court.