A Nigerian court has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay N50 million to the family of journalist, trade unionist, and human rights activist, Comrade Alex Ogbu, who was fatally shot by a police officer three years ago.
Ogbu was reporting on a violent police crackdown on demonstrators demanding the release of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, when he was shot at Berger Roundabout in Wuse, Abuja on January 21, 2020.
Initially, the police claimed that Ogbu’s death resulted from a fall and subsequent head injury. However, it later emerged that he had been shot in the head by a senior police officer.
The court ruled that the police violated Ogbu’s fundamental rights to life and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The police were ordered to pay compensation to the family of the deceased journalist within 60 days and to tender a public apology to the family, which must be published in two national newspapers.
The judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, described the killing of Ogbu as “a violation of his right to life and an infringement on his right to peaceful assembly.” He also criticized the police for failing to protect the life of Ogbu and other citizens who were exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest.
The family of Ogbu expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and called on the police authorities to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future. They also urged the government to take concrete steps towards protecting the rights of journalists and other citizens who engage in peaceful protests.
The ruling is a reminder that the Nigerian judiciary is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, including journalists who play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable.
SOURCE: Politicsnigeria
