Nigerian government has taken the bull by the horn on issues violating the righs of the citizens. Recently, the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has ordered the Nigerian Navy to pay the sum of N75m to a 39-year-old, Mr Etim Asuquo Akpan, who was tortured and illegally shot.
In addition, the court also ordered the Navy to tender an apology to Akpan in a national daily. This act served as a warning to military personnel on the issues of human rights violations. The court’s order initiated positive responses from Nigerians.
However, in the case with number FHC/CA/M35/2013, Justice Inyang Ekwo, said men who are armed by law to protect the citizenry should not turn around and brutalise or take the lives, outside the law, of those they are supposed to protect. He further disclosed that Akpan, a bricklayer and indigene of Akwa Ibom State, had taken the Nigerian Navy and others to court in 2013 for shooting him in both legs for no reason, torturing him and holding him hostage and also keeping him in chains while he was in the hospital receiving treatment.
Speaking with Fatimah Salawu, a concerned Nugerian, she explained that the fine is a great one on human rights violation:
“As for me, I think I will support the fine because most of all these militants behave nastily. They think most people don’t know their right and they believe they can maltreat them anyhow so, this punishment will serve as a lesson to them.”
In addition, Mr. Oseni, a political analyst said it will be a great deal if such fine could stand against military humiliation in the country:
“It’s a good development. Military personnel these days has taken to abuse of the defence position they hold in our dear country thus unleashing terror on defenceless citizens. I think that judgment serves them right. It will be great if the man gets the money really soon.”
Also, reacting to the court’s fine, Shittu Zeenat commends such and hope that other military personnel who are fund of breaking laws would learn from it:
“I think such verdict is appropriate. Many of this type of violence has happened and gone unnoticed and I hope this serves as a lesson to others.”
According to Akpan’s lawyer, Mr Albert Ben, it is the right of every citizen to be protected, no matter their status.Although he was saddened by the delay in the matter, he is glad that justice has been finally served. Akpan who was left deformed expressed gratitude for the judgment and hope that the citizens’ rights will be respected.
