Court Awards N104m to Doctor Against Nigerian Navy

On March 19, 2022, Dr. Owen Edo Ojo, a medical doctor, was assaulted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy while attempting to park his vehicle near a property allegedly occupied by a senior naval officer on Gbangala Street, Ikate Elegushi, Lagos. The confrontation escalated into a violent attack, resulting in Dr. Ojo sustaining multiple gunshot and stab wounds.

He approached the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights. Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled that the conduct of the naval personnel was uncivilized and constituted a violation of Dr. Ojo's rights to dignity and life.

The court awarded him N3.9 million in special damages and N100 million in aggravated damages, along with a public apology to be published in two national newspapers and across media platforms. The total award amounted to N104 million, including N250,000 for the cost of action.