Court Orders IGP to Pay N100 Million to Widow Over Husband’s Death in Custody

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) must pay the sum of N100 million to Mrs. Mary Kajo as compensation for the alleged arrest, unlawful detention, torture, and death of her husband, Mark Kajo.

In his judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo also directed the police authorities to pay an additional sum of N500,000 as the cost of filing the suit.

He further ordered a five per cent post-judgment interest on the fine until the entire judgment debt is settled.

The judge noted that the police authorities did not contest the applicant’s case, stating, “The position of the law remains that affidavit evidence which is not challenged or controverted howsoever, is deemed admitted and can be relied upon by a court.”

Justice Ekwo declared the killing of Mark Kajo in police custody as wrongful, illegal, and unconstitutional, citing violations of his constitutional rights under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

He criticized the police for the lack of action in the case, stating, “Nothing can ever be more barbaric and nastier than this kind of death in the hands of law enforcement agents whose statutory and constitutional duty is to protect lives and property.”

Mary Kajo had filed the suit against the Nigeria Police Force, its Inspector General, Benue State Commissioner of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

In her affidavit, she alleged that her husband was arrested, detained, tortured, and eventually executed without trial by the police.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, in a counter affidavit, argued that none of Mary’s averments were against his office.

This ruling highlights the court’s commitment to upholding the rights of citizens and ensuring accountability in law enforcement agencies.