by ‘Jola Sotubo

A Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded the sum of N10 million as damages against the Nigerian Police Force, the Police Inspector General, and three of its officers for the unlawful shooting of one Darlington Amaiham.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa decided in favour of the applicant in his judgment in the suit where he declared that the reckless shooting by the respondents amounted to a violation of Mr. Amaiham’s right to life.

According to reports the respondents in the suit are: The Nigerian Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Insp. Usman Shehu, Cpl. Alex Edomagbon, and Cpl. Seun Adewale.

The applicant in the suit filed in September 2012   through his counsel, Mr Joseph Odeh of “Access to Justice,” sought to enforce   his fundamental rights against the respondents.

Amaiham had claimed the sum of N10 million as general damages, for the reckless and sporadic shooting by the fourth to sixth respondents, which he said had left him incapacitated.

He also claimed the sum of N5 million as exemplary and aggravated damages, in addition to   the sum of N128,800 as special damages for his medical expenses.

Justice Yunusa in his judgment, granted all the reliefs sought by the applicant, adding that he was bound by law to do so, since the respondents had failed to defend the suit since it was instituted.