NEWS
Court Mandates IGP To Compensate Woman With N100m
A landmark decision unfolded in the Federal High Court, Abuja, as Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to pay Mrs. Mary Kajo a substantial sum of N100 million.
This ruling stems from the distressing incident involving the arrest, unlawful detention, torture, and alleged death of her husband, Mark Kajo.
The court further directed the police authorities to cover the N500,000 filing fee and imposed a five per cent post-judgment interest until the complete settlement of the judgment debt.
Highlighting a critical aspect of the case, the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, pointed out that the police authorities did not contest the applicant’s case.
Emphasizing a legal principle, he stated, “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 therefore declared the death of Mark Kajo in police custody as wrongful, illegal, and unconstitutional.
He asserted that this act transgressed Mark’s 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, CAP.A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The judge underscored that the deceased held a fundamental right to life, a guarantee enshrined and enforceable under the laws.
“I find that the applicant has established that the fundamental rights of her husband, Mr Mark Kajo, have been breached by the inexplicable cold-blooded extra-judicial killing of the deceased in the custody of the 1st to 3rd respondents.
“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.
“By not filing any process in this case, I presume that the 1st— 3rd respondents are least perturbed about such loss of a citizen’s life in their custody and the outcome of this suit.
“Where it is established that the fundamental right of a citizen has been breached, the law is trite that damages in compensation, legally and naturally follow every act of violation of citizen’s fundamental right.” he added
In the lawsuit with reference FHC/ABJ/CS/600/2023, Mary Kajo took legal action against the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police, Benue Commissioner of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as the 1st to 4th respondents.
In an affidavit sworn on May 2, 2023, Mary asserted that her husband, a plumber, faced arrest, detention, and torture by the police, ultimately leading to his execution without a fair trial.
Mary recounted that her husband, Mark, was apprehended by police officers on January 1, 2018, near Wurukum Market in Makurdi.
On that fateful day, Mark left their home to buy medicine for their unwell child, who had awakened feeling unwell. However, he neither returned home nor reached out to inquire about the health of the ailing child.
Mary disclosed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Benue Police Headquarters in Makurdi informed her that a detainee named Aondover confessed to stealing a car and implicating Mark by alleging that he gave it to him.
Subsequently, her husband was transferred to Police Headquarters in Abuja and then directed to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) at Area 3.
Mary, a mother of five, went on to claim that the police informed the North-Central Zone of the Presidential Panel Hearing on SARS Reform 2018, where a petition was lodged, that her husband was killed in custody by armed thugs.
According to the police account, armed thugs purportedly ambushed the vehicle transporting them to recover hidden arms. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, three suspects, including her husband, were allegedly shot and died instantly.
The police asserted that the corpses were then deposited at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Morgue in Gwagwalada.
However, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), in a counter affidavit sworn by Adedayo Adeboye, an official in the office, contended that none of Mary’s assertions were directed against the office.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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