Nigeria Police Ordered to Pay N50m Damages to Slain Abuja Journalist’s Family

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has directed the Nigeria Police Force to pay N50 million to the grieving family of Alex Ogbu, an Abuja-based journalist who was tragically killed during a protest.

Ogbu had been covering a demonstration by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, who were advocating for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, when he was fatally struck by a bullet fired by a police officer on January 21, 2020.

Initially, the police alleged that Ogbu’s demise resulted from an accidental fall, causing him to hit his head on a stone. However, an autopsy on the body revealed that the true cause of death was excessive blood loss due to gunshot injuries. To seek justice for the slain journalist, a group of activists took legal action against the police and the Federal Government, culminating in the recent court ruling.

Read also: Noble Igwe Criticizes Yul Edochie’s Social Media Videos With Judy After Tragic Loss of Son.

In a joint statement by Gerald Katchy and Dimeji Macaulay, the co-Coordinators of Justice for Alex, it was announced on Wednesday that Justice Mohammed Abubakar of the Federal Capital Territory Court in the Kurudu area of Abuja had ordered the Nigeria Police Force to compensate the late journalist’s family with the sum of N50 million.

The statement expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, highlighting the long and arduous journey of three and a half years filled with legal and political hurdles. Despite numerous adjournments and setbacks, the activists remained resolute in pursuing justice.

“Today we have been vindicated by the court and justice has been served, after three and a half years of legal and political battles. The case suffered so many adjournments with frustrations, but we remained undaunted,” the statement read.

It added, “Alex left behind a young daughter and an unemployed wife. We are determined to get justice, and we call on all Nigerians of goodwill to join us in this struggle until justice is served. We appreciate Comrade Femi Falana (SAN), Abubakar Marshal, and other lawyers who helped us on this case. We appreciate all the comrades and friends who stood by the family.”

Follow us on Twitter for more news updates.