An Abuja High Court has
awarded the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50m) as damages to one Mr. Joseph
Martins, who was shot at close range by a trigger-happy police officer in 2013,
during a slight spat at a popular joint and viewing centre in Utako District of
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In its
ruling, the High Court 5 of FCT presided over Justice O.O Goodluck, explained
that the sum was granted as damages to seek further medical attention for the
man who is a bricklayer, so that he can adjust to a normal life again.
The judgment was afer a
long, tedious and almost hopeless wait, and the Court found in favour of the
applicant by awarding the said sum against the Nigeria Police Force, for violating
his fundamental rights.
It was
gathered that the policeman, Sergeant Olumide Ariyo had shot Joseph during a
football match between Nigeria and Mexico, for challenging him when he refused
to pay for the two bottles of beer he had consumed.