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Court Awards N70 Million To Nursing Mother Shot By Police After 23-Year Legal Battle

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The horrific incident left her for dead in a pool of her own blood while she was bathing her newborn baby.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday made a landmark ruling, awarding N70million in damages to Margaret Achalla, a nursing mother who was shot by police officers in her home back in 2000.

The horrific incident left her for dead in a pool of her own blood while she was bathing her newborn baby.

Justice G. Olotu, the presiding judge, delivered the judgment in the fundamental human rights suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/105/2001, between Margaret Achalla and the Inspector General of Police & four other respondents.

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The court also imposed a 5% annual interest on the N70 million until the judgment is fully paid.

The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice, especially in cases involving human rights violations.

It is a victory for Margaret Achalla and her family, who have had to endure unimaginable trauma and pain for over two decades.

This judgment also highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to respect human rights and uphold the law.

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Speaking with SaharaReporters on the judgement, Counsel to the Applicant, Abubakar Marshal of the Falana and Falana Chambers commended the Court for finally rendering its judgement in the case, 23 years after the suit was commenced and 24 years after she was shot.

In a statement made to SaharaReporters, on Friday, the Falana Chambers explained that the applicant had claimed that she was a businesswoman resident at Utako, Abuja.

“That she was shot by identified police officers who had shot her while she was bathing her new born son and left her in a pool of her own blood.

“In proof of the claim, the plaintiff had tendered the extracted bullet, photographs of her shot foot, police extract, DPP (Department of Public Prosecution) advice, various medical reports and receipts from various hospitals, X- Ray report among others.

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“The judge while delivering judgement in a fundamental human right suit filed on her behalf by human right Attorney and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers ruled that the Applicant had led cogent & credible evidence in proof of her claim that she had shown via cogent and credible evidence in proof of her claim.

“The court therefore declared her fatal shooting as unlawful and unconstitutional, and consequently awarded the sum of N10 million as general damages.

“The court also awarded as punitive damages the sum of N50 million and another N10 million as cost of litigation. And interest at 5% until judgement is fully liquidated,” the statement noted.

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Work for Peace and Unity of Nigeria’, Obi tasks Ohaneaze president, Mbata

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The leader of the opposition Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has admonished the newly elected leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator John Azuta Mbata to work towards peace and unity of the nation.

Writing on his X handle in a congratulatory message to the Executive, Obi urged the new Executive to leverage their position, which shows the people’s confidence in them to strengthen the Igbo family and unite the country.

“On behalf of my family and the Obedient movement, I congratulate the Newly Elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; the Secretary-General, Emeka Sibeudu, and other newly elected executive members, on their emergence as the leaders of the noble organization.

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“Their emergence as the leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body that unites the Igbo people, underscores the level of confidence and hope the people have in their leadership ability and their commitment to the development of the region and the nation in general.

“I pray that they will leverage their new offices to continue to work for the peace and unity of our nation and contribute immeasurably to ideas that will drive development, peace, and progress among the people.

“May God give you all, the wisdom and strength to serve the people.
A New Nigeria remains Possible.

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Minor cabinet reshuffle: Delta gov redeploys Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties

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In a minor cabinet reshuffle, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has redeployed Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties.

As part of the changes, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties.

In the interim, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, will oversee the Ministry of Information.

Also, a reliable source within the inner circle of the government has also verified the same development.

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There are mixed reactions among journalists regarding Governor Oborevwori’s directive for the Ministry of Information to be overseen by Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu.

This sentiment stems from lingering grievances over the fallout between journalists and the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Journalists have expressed dissatisfaction with Okowa’s refusal to acknowledge their efforts during his eight-year tenure with a ‘parting gift.’

It is worth recalling that Okowa was accused of denying journalists of same gesture of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, fully implemented by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, extended to media professionals, both government house press crew and those outside the Government House.

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Emirate tussle: Fire will consume anyone who causes chaos in Kano- Sanusi

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The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned that fire would engulf any one trying to cause chaos in Kano State.

This was as Sanusi said the battle over Kano Emirate belonged to God, hence residents should remain calm and resist any temptation that could cause unrest.

He made the remark in a viral video while reacting to the Appeal Court judgement.

The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court had nullified the order of the Federal High Court in Kano.

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The Kano Federal High Court had nullified Sanusi’s appointment following an emirate tussle in Kano State.

The order nullifying Sanusi’s appointment was issued by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court on June 20, 2024.

But, the Appeal Court faulted the ruling of the Federal High Court.

Sanusi said: “As you all know, the Appeal Court has confirmed today that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over emirate issues. This judgment was expected, and those who initiated the case in court knew this all along.

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“Even the judge who issued the initial order was aware of the limits of his jurisdiction. Those who influenced him to make that decision also knew the truth.

“However, for the past eight months, their aim has been to promote selfish interests and instigate unrest in this part of the country.

“Despite their efforts, our greatest achievement is that the state has remained peaceful. There has been no violence or disorder. We call on everyone to continue maintaining peace and unity.

“This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead.

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To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their own wishes.”

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