Human rights activist Mazi Greg Onoh filed a lawsuit in the Enugu High Court. He sought accountability for the deaths of 21 coal miners killed during a colonial-era protest. The court heard the case numbered E/909/2024.
Historical Background
Coal miners in Iva Valley, Enugu, struck on November 1, 1949. They demanded better wages and working conditions from British colonial authorities. Police chief FS Philip ordered the shooting on November 18, 1949. This action killed 21 miners and injured 51 others.
The victims included Sunday Anyasodo, Ani Oha, and Andrew J. Obiekwe Okonkwo. Additionally, Augustine Chiwetalu, Onoh Ugwu, and Ngwu Offor died. Furthermore, Ndunguba Eze, Okafor Agu, and Livinus Ukachunwa perished. The list also featured Jonathan Agu Ozoani, Moses Ikegbu Okoloha, and Chukwu Ugwu.
Thomas Chukwu, Simon Nwachukwu, and Agu Alo lost their lives. Ogbonnia Ani Chima, Nnaji Nwachukwu, and William Nwaku followed. Finally James Onoh Ekeowa, Felix Nnaji, and Ani Nwaekwe completed the toll.
Court Proceedings
Respondents included the British Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. No lawyers represented the British sides. Justice Anthony Onovo presided over the hearing on February 5, 2026. The judge dismissed objections to sovereign immunity. He affirmed the court’s jurisdiction over historical injustices.
The Verdict
Justice Onovo ruled that the killings violated the right to life. He ordered the British Government to pay £20 million per victim, totaling £420 million. Additionally he mandated 10 percent post-judgment interest per annum until full payment.
Furthermore, the court required written apologies to the families. These must publish in Nigerian newspapers like Daily Sun, Daily Independent, and The Punch, plus three UK national papers, within 60 days. The Nigerian Government must engage diplomatically with Britain within 60 days to enforce remedies.
Lawyer Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George described the judgment as historic. He stated, “This ruling represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of historical accountability and justice for colonial-era violations.” Colleague P.N. Agazie echoed that governments should not tolerate abuses.
The ruling drew parallels to the UK’s Mau Mau settlement. It emphasized ongoing obligations for human rights redress.
