A landmark ruling by a Federal High Court in Kaduna has commanded the police to compensate the parents of three Shiite members allegedly killed by police officers during an Islamic procession in Zaria in 2022.
Justice Hawa Buhari, in her judgment, ordered the police authorities to pay a total sum of N300 million as compensation and general damages to the bereaved families.
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Citing constitutional provisions and international human rights laws, Justice Buhari underscored the enforcement of the applicants’ rights as guaranteed under various legal frameworks.
The judgment, delivered on April 22, 2024, consolidated three separate suits filed by the next-of-kins of the deceased.
Each set of parents is entitled to N100 million, totaling N300 million, with a 10% interest per annum until the amount is fully paid.
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Additionally, the respondents are required to issue a public apology to the applicants in a national daily for the breach of their fundamental rights.
The applicants, Magaji Yusuf, Muhammad Lawal, and Aliyu Badamasi, alleged that their relatives were shot and killed by police officers during the Ashura Procession in Zaria City on August 8, 2022.
They took legal action against several police authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police and other high-ranking officers.
In their motions, the applicants sought various reliefs, including a declaration of the illegality and unconstitutionality of the killings, compensation for the violation of their relatives’ fundamental rights, and a formal apology from the respondents.
Despite objections and counter-affidavits from the respondents, Justice Buhari upheld the jurisdiction of the court and ruled in favor of the applicants, marking a significant victory for human rights and justice in Nigeria.
