A Benue State High Court has ordered the Nigerian Army and 10 others to pay the sum of N800 million as compensation for the killing of Sixtus Akure, a senior tax officer with the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS).
The judgement, which came three years after the brutal murder of Mr. Akure, was brought before the court by former Chairman of BIRS, Mrs. Mimi Orubibi.
Mr. Akure was found lifeless by the roadside near Aper Aku Estate in North Bank, Makurdi, a day after he was abducted at his duty post by men of the Nigerian Army.
A Coroner Inquest conducted into his murder found the Nigerian Army culpable, leading to the filing of a lawsuit by the BIRS on behalf of the deceased’s family.
In a well-considered judgment, Justice Theresa Shija dismissed the preliminary objection raised by the counsel to the defendants and decided the case on its merit.
The court ruled in favor of the deceased’s wife, Catherine Akure, ordering the Nigerian Army and other respondents to pay N800 million for violating the fundamental right to life of Mr. Akure.
Additionally, the court directed the BIRS to give a permanent and pensionable appointment to Mrs. Catherine Akure, whose husband was gruesomely murdered by the Nigerian Army at his duty post.
Mrs. Akure expressed gratitude to the judiciary for being the last hope of the common man and appreciated the support of Chief Mrs. Mimi Adzape-Orubibi and her lawyer, Desmond Wendeh, throughout the legal process.
She stated that the compensation awarded by the court would be used to care for her children and her deceased husband’s surviving mother.
DNews Info is a trusted source for breaking news, insightful commentary, and in-depth coverage of events across Nigeria and beyond. With a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and engaging stories, we aim to keep our readers informed and empowered. Stay connected for the latest updates in politics, business, entertainment, and more.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
