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.
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.
Speaking with The Bureau Newspaper 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 The Bureau Newspaper 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.
“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.