The Federal High Court sitting in Jos has awarded a businessman N2 milion over violation of his rights by the Inspector General of Police and four police personnel.
Cpl. Alhassan Ladan, Cpl. Ramosi Akeem, ASP Jaiyeola Marvis and Police Constable Nanju Johnson were accused of battering Mr. Chijioke Achi at his shop at No. 25 Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos on March 17, 2013.
Achi through his counsel, Uche Mgbemene had sought a condemnation of the action from the court as well as damages to the tune of N500 million.
Justice Emmanuel, while delivering his judgment, condemned police personnel for storming the Achi’s shop armed with guns and other assault gadgets to commit the breach.
“The officers went to the shop with the intention to intimidate, harass the applicant and by the evidence before me, I am satisfied that 1st – 4th accused were in flagrant abuse of the fundamental rights of the applicant.
“It is disgusting and shameful that our security personnel could descend so low in using their status equivocal powers to willfully torture and maltreat the applicant.
“This show of powers could better be exhibited at the war front and not within a civilian environment; we are in a constitutional and democratic regime where the rule of law cannot be compromised,” he declared.
The judge said having looked at exhibits C1 – C10, he found and held that a case for the award of damages to the applicant had been established. “Consequently, the sum of N2 million is hereby awarded in favour of the applicant as compensation jointly and severally,” he ruled.
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