A ruling by the Enugu State High Court ordering £420 million compensation for families of miners killed in 1949 has been officially sent to the United Kingdom government for enforcement. The judgment demands £20 million for each of the 21 victims’ families over the colonial-era killings.
Legal counsel Yemi Akinseye-George confirmed that the verdict, delivered by Justice Anthony Onovo, has been transmitted through diplomatic channels. He expressed confidence that British authorities will comply with the Nigerian court’s order within the stipulated timeline.
The decision came 75 years after colonial police opened fire on protesting coal miners in Enugu who were demanding fair treatment and better working conditions. The court ruled that the colonial administration bore responsibility and must compensate the victims’ relatives and issue a formal public apology.
Human rights advocate Greg Nwanchukwu Onoh, who initiated the suit, praised the outcome, saying it restores dignity to the slain workers. The court also warned that failure to pay within the deadline will attract a 10% annual interest until the full amount is settled.
