Court Awards N50m To Man Shot By Police Officer In 2013

An Abuja High Court has awarded the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50m) as damages to one Mr. Joseph Martins, who was shot at close range by a trigger-happy police officer, during a slight spat at a popular joint and viewing centre in Utako District of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in 2013.

The judgment was delivered yesterday after a long, tedious and almost hopeless wait, and the Court found in favour of the applicant by awarding the said sum against the Nigeria Police Force, for violating his fundamental rights.

In its ruling, the High Court 5 of FCT presided over justice O.O Goodluck, explained that the sum was granted as damages to seek further medical attention for the man, a bricklayer, so that he can adjust to a  normal life again.

It was gathered that the policeman, Sergeant Olumide Ariyo had shot Joseph during a football match between Nigeria and Mexico, for challenging him when he refused to pay for the two bottles of beer her had consumed.