Nigerian Police Accused of Ignoring Court Order to Pay N50 Million Compensation for Journalist’s Death

Human rights advocates and the family of slain journalist Alex Ogbu marked five years since his killing by accusing the Nigerian Police Force of failing to comply with a court ruling. Ogbu, a journalist with Regent Africa Times, was shot and killed by police during a protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Abuja on January 21, 2020.

Following a legal battle led by the Falana & Falana Chambers, the Federal High Court in Kurudu, Abuja, ruled on June 21, 2023, that the Nigerian police must pay N50 million in compensation to Ogbu’s widow and daughter. The court found the police liable for his unlawful killing. However, over a year later, the compensation has not been paid, nor has the officer responsible been produced or held accountable.

Francesca Ogbu, Alex’s widow, expressed deep frustration during a press conference in Abuja. She said the police have refused to either comply with the court order or file an appeal, demonstrating, in her words, “sheer scorn and impunity.” She stated that despite multiple letters from Senator Abba Moro, the Police Service Commission, and the Ministry of Police Affairs to the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General, no action has been taken.

The #JusticeForAlexOgbu Campaign also condemned the delay and demanded immediate enforcement of the judgment. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to show commitment to justice and accountability by ensuring the compensation is paid and the killer officer is prosecuted.

The group stressed that continued police defiance undermines the rule of law and emboldens security forces to continue abusing power without consequences. They also warned that justice delayed in this case could set a dangerous precedent for how the Nigerian state treats cases of extrajudicial killings, especially those involving journalists.