The Federal High Court in Abuja on 3 July 2026 awarded ₦200 million in damages against the Nigeria Police Force after ruling that the unlawful killing of Mallam Kabiru Babai, an imam and truck driver, violated his constitutional right to life.
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that evidence presented before the court proved that Babai’s rights were breached, describing the incident as a serious violation with devastating consequences for his widow and children.
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“The fundamental right to life of the applicant’s husband was unlawfully violated by the conduct of the 4th respondent,” the judge ruled, while noting that the scale of harm justified compensation.
Court records showed that Babai was killed on 3 December 2021 in Osogbo, Osun State, after police officers arrived at the scene of a broken-down truck and an argument broke out.
One officer was said to have struck Babai with a shovel, kicked him repeatedly, and later shot him in the chest after earlier violence involving a rifle butt. Babai died at the scene, according to evidence presented.
The co-driver, Harisu Musa, was also reportedly shot in the hand during the incident before bystanders intervened and apprehended one officer.
The case was filed by Mr Okpi Adaafu on behalf of Babai’s widow, Balkisu Kabiru Babai, who sought declarations that the killing was unlawful, prosecution of the officer involved, and ₦2 billion in damages.
While the court declined to compel prosecution by the Attorney-General of the Federation, it ordered relevant authorities to take steps toward accountability.
Justice Lifu awarded ₦200 million in compensation, stating that the impact of the incident on the family could not be ignored.
The ruling has drawn renewed attention to concerns over police conduct and accountability in Nigeria, particularly in cases involving use of force and civilian deaths.
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The judgment is seen as a significant reminder of constitutional protections and the legal consequences of abuse of authority.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
