Extra- judicial killing: FG pays N135m compensation to 19 Abuja victims

The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja presented a sum of N135million to the families and relations of deceased Okada riders who were extra judicially killed by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on 20th September 2013 in Apo, district of Abuja the Federal Capital Territory.

Eight Okada riders and tea sellers were killed and 11 others sustained various degrees of injuries in an attack that has turned out to have been precipitated by an unverified report.

Acting on intelligence report that one of the Boko Haram leaders Suleiman (R.Kelly) who was plotting to attack Abuja was residing in an uncompleted building, the DSS operatives had stormed the building killing eight of the occupants on the spot and injured 11 others.

The incident which elicited a public outcry and condemnation later attracted a law suit at the ECOWAS Court of Justice by the Incorporated Trustees Fiscals and Physic Right Enlightenment Foundation. It also attracted a petition at the National Human Rights Commission filed by Global rights and Human Law Service on behalf of the victims.

Speaking at a brief presentation ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) said the ceremonial cheque depicting the total sum which he presented to the leaders of the National Association of Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, the legal representatives of the plaintiffs, the Sarki of Apo, is symbolic.

He said the gesture is a confirmation of President Muhammadu Buhari commitment to the rule of law and an affirmation that he is upholding justice and respect for human rights

Malami also said that the gesture in no small measure emphasized the role of National Human Rights Commission as an Independent Organization. He said the Commission has performed its role as an extra – judicial mechanism for the enhancement of the enjoyment of human rights.

In- coming Executive Secretary of National Human Right Commission, Tony Ojukwu expressed gratitude that the decision of the Commission has been obeyed.

He recalled that the petition filed by Global rights and Human Law Service on behalf of the victims were investigated by the commission and led to the indictment and award against the DSS.

He said the decision of the Commission which awarded the eight deceased victims N10 million each and N5 million to each of the 11 injured victims was taken after the Commission took a very painful and revealing evidences.

He said though no amount can compensate for the injuries and losses occasioned by the unfortunate incident ,” however, you should rest assured that justice has not only been done but actually seen to have been done in this case.”