Family sues Police over extra-judicial killing, seeks N500m compensation

 The family of Henry Dokotri, allegedly killed by Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have sued the Inspector General of Police (IGP) demanding N500 million restitution over the death. The case, filed at a Jos High Court by father of the deceased Mr Victor Dokotri on Tuesday, is for the enforcement of the right to life […]

 The family of Henry Dokotri, allegedly killed by Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have sued the Inspector General of Police (IGP) demanding N500 million restitution over the death.

The case, filed at a Jos High Court by father of the deceased Mr Victor Dokotri on Tuesday, is for the enforcement of the right to life and dignity to human person in line with Sections 33 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.

The family also urged the court to enforce Article 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Human and Enforcement Act.

Dokotri prayed the court to declare that the incident that led to the death of the victim deprived him of his right to life and human dignity and grant the family N500 million as compensation.

The plaintiff also want the court to declare that the torture and killing of Henry by the SARS operatives on the claims of possession of Indian hemp was a violation of his right to fair hearing as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

The family told the court that on Jan. 18, Henry, 30, a graduate of Maritime Academy, Oron in Cross River, was allegedly killed at Dorowan Zawan Village, Jos South, by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

Other respondents in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force, Plateau Police Command, SARS in Plateau and the Commissioner of Police in the state.

The rest include ASP John Ugbaje, Insp. Edekin Aigbekiem, Insp. Reuben Deshi, Sgt. Abobo Erim and Cpl. Christopher Adamu.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr James Adokwu and ASP. J.A. Idoko prayed the court to give the defendants time to respond to the suit filed against them.

The Judge, Justice Muhammad Sirajo, adjourned the matter to May 30, for the defendants to respond to the suit. (NAN)