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A Nigerian court has ordered the British government to pay £20 million ($27 million) each to the families of 21 coal miners killed by colonial authorities in 1949.
Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court delivered the ruling on Thursday over the killings at the Iva Valley coal mine in Enugu, then under British colonial rule.
The miners were protesting unpaid wages, unequal pay for different races, and poor working conditions on November 18, 1949, when colonial police, consisting of European and Nigerian officers, opened fire, injuring dozens more.
Justice Onovo ruled that the killings were unlawful and violated the victims’ right to life. He holds the British colonial administration liable and calls for substantial compensation, formal apologies, and diplomatic action.
Onovo said the British government needs to answer for the 21 coal miners’ deaths and provide compensation to their families.
“This defenseless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions; they were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, but yet were shot and killed,” Onovo said.
“The 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th respondents should pay £20 million per victim, totaling £420 million, payable by the British Government as effective remedy and compensation for the violations of the right to life.
“They will also pay post-judgement interest at 10 percent per annum until fully paid, while claims for pre-judgement interest and exemplary damages is whereby refused.”
The lawsuit was filed by human rights activist Mazi Greg Onoh, who named both the British and Nigerian governments as respondents.
The applicants’ lawyer, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, said the ruling marked an important step toward justice.
“This ruling represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of historical accountability and justice for colonial-era violations, affirming that the right to life transcends time, borders, and changes in sovereignty,” Akinseye-George said.
The victims were 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 and Chukwu Ugwu.
They also include Thomas Chukwu, Simon Nwachukwu, Agu Alo, Ogbonnia Ani Chima, Nnaji Nwachukwu, William Nwaku, James Onoh Ekeowa, Felix Nnaji, and Ani Nwaekwe.
The British government said it had not been formally notified of the judgement and therefore could not comment.
A spokesperson told BBC that the UK was not represented during the court proceedings.
