A Benue State High Court in Makurdi has ordered the Nigerian Army and 10 others to pay N800 million in damages for the wrongful death of Sixtus Terfa Akure, a Senior Inspector of Taxes with the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS).
Akure was abducted by members of the Nigerian Army on January 15, 2022, and later found dead by the roadside near Aper Aku Estate in North Bank, Makurdi.
A Coroner’s Inquest conducted on March 19, 2022, held the Nigerian Army responsible for his death.
The lawsuit, filed by Desmond Tor Wendeh on behalf of Akure’s family, named the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army Council, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Commanding Officer of 72 Special Forces, the then Adjutant Captain Osita Obe, and five soldiers as defendants.
Advertorial
Justice Theresa Shija dismissed the defendants’ preliminary objection and ruled in favor of Akure’s widow, Catherine Akure.
The court ordered the Nigerian Army and all named respondents to pay N800 million for violating Mr. Akure’s right to life.
Additionally, the court directed the BIRS to provide Mrs. Akure with a permanent and pensionable position.
Advertorial
Mrs. Akure expressed her gratitude to the judiciary and the immediate past chairman of BIRS, Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, for their support during this difficult period.
She also thanked her lawyer, Desmond Wendeh, and stated that the awarded funds would be used to care for her children and her husband’s surviving mother.
