Court Orders UK to Pay £420m to Families of Slain Enugu Miners
Court Orders UK to Pay £420m to Families of Slain Enugu Miners
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
In a historic ruling, an Enugu High Court has ordered the British Government to pay £420 million to the families of 21 coal miners killed in 1949.
Justice Anthony Onovo awarded £20 million per family for the extrajudicial violation of the miners’ right to life. This judgment finally addresses the Iva Valley massacre, a notorious colonial-era tragedy.
The massacre occurred on November 18, 1949, when British police opened fire on unarmed miners during a peaceful protest for better wages.
The attack left 21 dead and many more injured at the Enugu coal mine. For over seven decades, the families of victims like Sunday Anyasodo have sought accountability for these killings.
Human rights activist Mazi Greg Onoh filed the lawsuit to demand a formal apology and financial compensation for the descendants. The legal action targeted the British Government and the UK Foreign Secretary, alongside the Nigerian government.
The suit aimed to rectify a long-standing historical injustice through the modern judicial system.
Justice Onovo rejected the British Government’s plea of sovereign immunity, asserting that the court has jurisdiction over grave constitutional violations. He found the colonial administration liable for the “unlawful” deaths, noting the miners were peaceful.
The judge also faulted the Nigerian government for failing to pursue justice for its citizens sooner.
The court ruled that the use of lethal force was entirely unprovoked and disproportionate. Highlighting the injustice, Justice Onovo stated, “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.” He ordered full payment within 90 days.
Lead counsel Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) called the verdict a milestone for post-colonial justice, likening it to the Mau Mau settlement in Kenya. He emphasized that the right to life does not expire with the passage of time.
This ruling sets a major precedent for holding former colonial powers accountable for human rights abuses.
The court concluded by urging the Nigerian government to diplomatically ensure the British Government complies with the order. For the miners’ descendants, the ruling offers both financial restitution and long-awaited closure.
The judgment affirms that accountability for the loss of life transcends historical eras and changes in sovereignty.
