A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has awarded ₦100 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force and other respondents over the death of a Cross River resident who allegedly died after being tortured while in custody at the Government House, Calabar.
Justice Rosemary Oghoghorie Ojukwu, who delivered the judgment, held that the victim's fundamental human rights were violated. The court ordered that the ₦100 million compensation be paid jointly or individually by the respondents.
The suit was filed by the deceased's family, who accused security personnel of unlawfully arresting, detaining and torturing the victim, leading to his death. They argued that his constitutional rights to life and dignity were grossly violated.
After reviewing the evidence presented before the court, Justice Ojukwu ruled in favour of the family, describing the actions that led to the man's death as a serious violation of his fundamental rights.
The court's decision has been welcomed by human rights advocates, who say the judgment reinforces the need for security agencies to respect the rights of citizens and remain accountable for abuses committed while carrying out their duties.
The ruling is also expected to fuel fresh conversations in Cross River over allegations of torture, unlawful detention and the conduct of security personnel in the state.
The Nigeria Police Force is yet to publicly state whether it will appeal the judgment.
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