COURT ORDERS POLICE TO PAY N200M FOR KILLING ABUJA CLERIC

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has awarded N200 million against the Nigeria Police Force over the unlawful killing of Mallam Kabiru Babai.

The suit was filed by Mr Okpi Adaafu on behalf of the Muslim Community of Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the applicant proved her case on the preponderance of affidavit evidence.

“The fundamental right to life of the applicant’s husband was unlawfully violated by the conduct of the 4th respondent,” the judge held. Justice Lifu said the declaratory reliefs were founded on the constitutional violation and succeeded.

He added that the applicant was entitled to compensatory damages for the unlawful deprivation of her husband’s life.

“The gravity of the violation and its devastating consequences on the widow and children must be taken into account,” he said.

However, the court refused the relief seeking to compel the attorney-general to institute criminal proceedings against Samuel.

The court subsequently declared the killing unlawful and an infringement on Babai’s constitutional right to life.

It also ordered the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents to commence prosecution of Samuel.

The court awarded N200 million against the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents as compensation and exemplary damages.