The United Kingdom government has clarified that it has not yet received formal notification regarding a significant Nigerian court judgment that orders it to pay £420 million in compensation to the families of 21 coal miners who lost their lives in 1949. A spokesperson for the UK government informed the BBC that due to the absence of official communication, they are unable to comment on the matter at this time.
Court Ruling Details and Historical Context
The ruling was issued on Thursday, February 5, by the Enugu State High Court, with Presiding Judge Anthony Onovo mandating the British government to pay £20 million to each affected family. Judge Onovo determined that the killings on November 18, 1949, were unlawful and represented an extrajudicial violation of the fundamental right to life.
Legal Proceedings and Parties Involved
The lawsuit was initiated by human rights activist Greg Onoh, who pursued several key objectives including an acknowledgment of liability, a formal apology, and comprehensive compensation for the victims' families. The respondents named in the case encompassed the UK Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British government, the Nigerian Federal Government, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, among others. Notably, no legal counsel appeared in court to represent the UK-based respondents during the proceedings.
Background of the Iva Valley Massacre
This legal case revolves around the tragic Iva Valley massacre, where colonial police forces opened fire on striking miners in Enugu. The miners had commenced a strike on November 1, 1949, protesting against harsh working conditions and unpaid debts owed by the colonial authorities. It is reported that Police Chief F.S. Philip ordered the shooting, which resulted in the deaths of at least 21 individuals and left many others injured. At that time, coal mining served as a major economic activity for the British colonial administration in Nigeria, highlighting the significance of this industry in the region's history.
The UK government has emphasized that it awaits formal legal notification before formulating any response to the court's judgment, underscoring the procedural steps required in international legal matters.
