Court orders Nigerian police to pay N80 million to Shi’ites

The Court of Appeal in Sokoto State has ruled that the Nigerian police must pay N80 million to the Shi’ite followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky for attacking them during a religious procession on August 19, 2021.

The three-member panel of justices unanimously overturned the trial court’s decision on May 17, 2022, agreeing that the judge unjustly formed opinions against the appellants.

During the procession, Shiites were reportedly attacked by police officers in Sokoto town, resulting in four deaths and numerous injuries.

The appellants, including Prof. Shehu Maigadi and Mal. Sidi Mannir Mainasara appealed the initial ruling in favour of the police.

In its March 18, 2024, ruling, the Appeal Court declared the police’s actions as deliberate and unlawful, violating the Constitution.

They ordered compensation of N10 million for each of the four deceased and N2 million for each injured mourner.

Additionally, the police were directed to pay N30 million to the Shi’a Muslim community for their mistreatment during the procession. Justices Muhammed Shu’aibu and Ebiowei Tobi also served on the panel.