A Port Harcourt Federal High Court has awarded the sum of N75,000,000 against the Nigeria Police in a fundamental Human Rights suit filed by the family of the late auto mechanic, Chima Ikwunado.
The family of Ikwunado had filed a fundamental human rights action against the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police of Rivers State, SP Benson Adetuyi, the former E-Crack Commander of Rivers State, and four police officers who had been fired.
According to reports, the trial judge, Justice S. I. Mark, granted all the reliefs requested by the plaintiff’s attorney and penalized the Police N75,000,000 for damages in her ruling on Friday.
Ikwunado, an auto technician, reportedly passed away in police custody in 2019 from severe abuse.
He was arrested and tortured alongside 4 of his apprentices, Victor Ogbonna, Osaze Friday, Ifeanyi Osuji and Ifeanyi Onyekwere, by men of the now defunct E-Crack Unit, attached to the Mile 1 Police Division, while test-driving two cars they were repairing along Olu-Obasanjo Road in PortHarcourt.
They were charged with robbery and cultism. The case had sparked criticisms from several quarters.
Speaking to newsmen outside the courtroom, counsel to the family of the late Ikwunado, Princess Lawrence said, they were happy with the judgment even though they are aware that no amount of money can bring back the life of the victim.
“We are happy, although we expected a higher award for damages. Like I said in court, no amount of monetary damages will bring the late Chima Ikwunado back to life. But we thank God for what the court awarded today.” She said.
The plaintiff had demanded N14,000,000,000 for damages.
On his part, the elder brother to the kate auto mechanic, Anthony Ikwunado, described the judgment as a welcome development.
He said his younger brother’s death created an irreplaceable vacuum in the family.
4 dismissed police officers, Ayogu Fidelis, Eke Chinuzor, Rose Georgewill and Egbunedu Felix are currently facing trial at the state High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, for the murder of late Ikwunado and the torture of 4 other men that were in their custody.