In an explosive legal development, a Federal High Court in Zamfara has ordered the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police to pay Mrs. Mary Kajo a staggering sum of N100 million. This monumental decision stems from Mrs. Kajo’s allegations of her husband’s arrest, unlawful detention, torture, and subsequent death while in police custody. The court, led by Justice Inyang Ekwo, not only directed the I-G to compensate Mrs. Kajo but also mandated the police authorities to pay an additional N500,000 as the cost of filing the lawsuit. Furthermore, Justice Ekwo declared a five percent post-judgment interest on the fine until the full settlement of the judgment debt.
Remarkably, the court noted the absence of any challenge or counter from the police authorities regarding the case presented by Mrs. Kajo. Justice Ekwo emphasized that unchallenged affidavit evidence is deemed admitted and can be relied upon by the court. The judge unequivocally stated that the killing of Mrs. Kajo’s husband, Mark Kajo, in police custody was wrongful, illegal, and unconstitutional. He asserted that this act violated Mark’s constitutional rights, emphasizing the right to life guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Justice Ekwo condemned the barbarity of the extra-judicial killing, expressing dismay at the loss of a citizen’s life in the hands of law enforcement agents whose duty is to protect lives and property. The court underscored the fundamental right of citizens and declared that damages in compensation naturally follow every violation of these rights. Mary Kajo initiated the lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force, the I-G, Benue Commissioner of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The court’s decision has ignited discussions surrounding the allegations and the broader implications for law enforcement accountability in Nigeria.
