Nigerian Court Orders Police to Pay N300 Million to Families of Slain Shiite Members: Landmark Human Rights Victory

A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the Nigerian police authorities to pay a total of N300 million to the parents of three Shiite members killed by their officers during an Islamic procession in 2022 in Zaria.

Justice Hawa Buhari ruled that the applicants’ rights under Sections 33, 38, 39, 40, 42, 46 of the 1999 Constitution, Order 2, Rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 11 and 12 of the Fundamental Right (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, and Article 4, 8, 10, 11 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights 2004 are enforced.

The sum of N100 million must be paid to each parent of the deceased, making a total of N300 million, as compensation and general damages with a 10% interest per annum until the amount is fully paid.

The court consolidated three separate suits filed by the three next-of-kins of the deceased. The applicants sought seven reliefs, including a declaration that the shooting and killing of the deceased were illegal, unconstitutional, and a formal apology by the respondents.

However, the respondents filed a preliminary objection and counter-affidavit to oppose the suits. Justice Buhari agreed with the applicants’ counsel’s submission and assumed jurisdiction on the matter.