The Federal High Court in Ibadan,
on Thursday ordered the Nigerian Police Force to pay N10 million as
compensation to the family of Alidu Hakeem, a commercial driver shot dead by a
policeman at Saki.
Hakeem was killed by a police
inspector on March 9, 2016 along Saki-Okere International Market road in Saki.
Consequently, Hakeem’s son,
Afeez, filled a suit bordering on enforcement of fundamental human right
against the police.
Joined in the suit are the
Inspector General of Police, Oyo State Police Commissioner, his Deputy and the
Saki Police Divisional Headquarter.
In the petition, the plaintiff
said his father was shot in the head by Onynbu for refusing to give him an
additional N100 bribe after he had collected the usual N100 paid by all
commercial drivers at the police check point.
The Judge, Justice Nathaniel
Ayo-Emmanuel, in his ruling held that everyone has right to life and that
deliberate killing of any individual in the society is against the law.
“The applicant in this case has
proved beyond reasonable doubt that Insp. Ifeayin Onynbu, the fifth respondent,
committed the crime because he did nothing to defend himself despite the fact
that he was aware of the case.
“There is no evidence before the
court contradicting the facts presented by the applicant in the matter.
“I therefore believe same to be
the true reflection of what happened before life was sniffed out of the
deceased.
“It is evidence from the record
before this court that the applicant’s father had three wives and several
children.
“For this and many other reasons,
a sum of N10 million is hereby awarded to the family of the deceased.
“The Inspector General of Police is therefore
directed to investigate this matter and bring the said Onynbu to justice,”
ruled the Judge.
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