A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay N200 million in damages regarding the illegal killing of Mallam Kabiru Babai. The lawsuit was initiated by Mr. Okpi Adaafu on behalf of the Gwarimpa Estate Muslim community.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the evidence provided substantiated claims of a constitutional violation. He noted that the victim’s right to life was breached by the 4th respondent, justifying the award for the irreparable loss suffered by the deceased’s wife and children.
The incident occurred on December 3, 2021, in Osogbo, Osun State. Mallam Babai, a truck driver and imam, was attending to a mechanical fault on his vehicle when police arrived. Following an argument, Sgt. Moses Samuel reportedly assaulted Babai with a shovel and his rifle before shooting him in the chest. Despite the police force initially indicting Samuel for murder, no criminal prosecution followed, and the victim’s family received no assistance.
While Justice Lifu refused to issue an order specifically forcing the Attorney-General to start criminal proceedings, he did command the police to initiate the prosecution of Sgt. Samuel. The court dismissed defense arguments that the shooting fell outside the scope of official duty, confirming the state’s liability in the incident.
