Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court has ordered the British Government to pay £20 million each to the families of 21 coal miners killed in 1949 during colonial rule, bringing the total compensation to £420 million.
The ruling relates to the November 18, 1949, Iva Valley Coal Mine massacre in Enugu, then the administrative capital of the Eastern Region under British administration. The miners had protested harsh working conditions, racial wage disparities and unpaid arrears. After adopting a go slow action and occupying the mine to resist a lockout, they were shot by a British superintendent, resulting in 21 deaths and 51 injuries.
The suit, marked E/909/2024, was filed by human rights activist Mazi Greg Onoh, seeking acknowledgment of liability, a formal apology and comprehensive compensation. The respondents included the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the British Government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Head of the Commonwealth Government of the United Kingdom. Several respondents were not represented in court.
In his judgment, Justice Onovo described the killings as unlawful and extrajudicial violations of the right to life. He dismissed objections based on sovereign immunity and affirmed the court’s jurisdiction, holding that grave historical injustices remain justiciable under Nigeria’s Constitution.
The court ordered payment of £20 million per victim with post judgment interest at 10 percent per annum until fully paid. It also directed the British Government to issue unreserved written apologies to the families, to be published in selected Nigerian and United Kingdom newspapers within 60 days, with proof filed before the court. Payment of the monetary award is to be made within 90 days.
The judge further held that the Federal Government and the Attorney General have a constitutional duty to pursue diplomatic engagement with the British authorities within 60 days to seek effective remedies and reparations. Counsel to the applicants described the ruling as a landmark decision on historical accountability and justice.
