Court orders FG to pay Nnamdi Kanu N1bn damages for rights violation
An Abia State High Court in Umuahia on Wednesday ordered the Federal Government to pay the leader of the separatist group, the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, N1bn damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the trial judge, Justice Benson Anya, described the invasion of Kanu’s Afaraukwu residence as notorious and brazen.
The court held that the invasion of the home of the IPOB leader by the Nigerian military in September 2017 was a gross violation of his fundamental rights.
The Judge also ordered the Federal Government to issue a public apology to Kanu in three national dailies and advised that a political resolution be adopted in resolving Kanu’s case.
Kanu had in a suit filed through his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, sued Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) accusing the federal government of violating his fundamental human rights.
Joined in the suit as co-respondents were the Federal Government of Nigeria (first), chief of army staff (third), inspector-general of police (fifth), and three others.
Reacting to the judgement, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, tweeted on his handle that:
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu WINS as Abia High Court rules that Federal Government violated his fundamental rights.
“Orders Federal Government to pay N1b to him & issue a letter of apology to him.
“Most importantly, the Court recommended political solution to the #Biafran agitation.”
