The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has awarded N70 million against the Nigerian police for a stray bullet that fatally shot a nursing mother, bringing over 20 years of litigation to a landmark conclusion.
On Friday, Justice G. Olotu ordered the police to pay N10 million in general damages, N50 million in punitive damages, and N10 million for litigation costs to a 24-year-old man whose mother was tragically killed in 2000 when he was a still a toddler.
That year, Margaret Achalla was bathing her baby in the Utako area of Abuja when she was struck by a bullet fired by a police officer. She collapsed and began to bleed.
Instead of rushing her to the hospital, the officers fled, leaving her to bleed to death.
Rights lawyer and activist Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers took up the case in 2001, suing the police for damages.
The suit was supported by compelling evidence, including the extracted bullet, photographs of the injury, an x-ray report, medical documents, and hospital invoices—all detailed in the proof of claim.
Based on the overwhelming evidence presented, Mr. Olotu ruled that Ms. Achalla’s death was both unlawful and unconstitutional.
As a result, he imposed a total award of N70 million against the police: N10 million for general damages, N50 million for punitive damages, and N10 million for litigation costs.
Additionally, he ordered the police to pay five percent interest until the damages are fully settled.
