The case was filed by Greg Onoh, who asked the court to establish liability, compel a public apology and award compensation to the families of coal miners killed during a colonial-era incident in present-day Enugu. Those named as respondents included the British government, the UK Foreign Office, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the head of the Commonwealth and other related parties. None of the British respondents appeared in court or were represented during the proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Onovo held that the miners were unarmed civilians who were peacefully protesting poor working conditions and unpaid wages. He noted that they posed no threat to authorities and were engaged in a lawful demand for improved treatment. “These defenceless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions. They were not engaged in any violent action, yet they were shot and killed,” the judge said.
The court ordered the respondents to pay £20 million to each victim’s family, bringing the total compensation to £420 million. The judgment also attracts a post-judgment interest rate of 10 percent per annum until full payment is made. However, claims for pre-judgment interest and exemplary damages were dismissed.Justice Onovo further directed the Nigerian government to initiate diplomatic engagement with the British government within 60 days to seek enforcement of the judgment and ensure compliance.
The killings occurred on November 1, 1949, when coal miners at the Iva Valley mine embarked on a strike over unpaid wages and harsh working conditions under British colonial administration. At the time, coal was a major source of energy and revenue for the colonial government.Colonial authorities ordered the closure of the mine, a move the miners resisted. During the confrontation that followed, the colonial police chief allegedly ordered officers to open fire on the striking workers, killing at least 21 miners and injuring several others.
Those killed were identified as Sunday Anyasodo, Ani Oha, Andrew J. Obiekwe Okonkwo, Augustine Chiwetalu, Onoh Ugwu, Ngwu Offor, Ndunguba Eze, Okafor Agu, Livinus Ukachunwa, Jonathan Agu Ozoani, Moses Ikegbu Okoloha, Chukwu Ugwu, Thomas Chukwu, Simon Nwachukwu, Agu Alo, Ogbonnia Ani Chima, Nnaji Nwachukwu, William Nwaku, James Onoh Ekeowa, Felix Nnaji and Ani Nwaekwe.
Source: https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/
