Enugu Court Orders British Government to Pay £420m Compensation to Families of 21 Coal Miners

The Enugu High Court, under Justice Anthony Onovo, ruled that the British Government must pay £420 million to the families of 21 coal miners killed in Enugu in 1949 by colonial masters. The massacre occurred during a protest over harsh working conditions and unpaid wages.

Human rights activist Mazi Greg Onoh initiated the lawsuit seeking acknowledgment of liability and comprehensive compensation. The court ordered a formal apology and substantial compensation, describing the massacre as an unlawful violation of the miners' rights to life.

The British Government was held accountable for the historical injustice and ordered to pay £20 million per victim. The judgment emphasized the need for redress for serious human rights abuses during the colonial era.

The Nigerian Government was tasked with pursuing diplomatic engagement with the British side to ensure justice and reparations. Legal experts like Prof.

Yemi Akinseye-George SAN and P.N. Agazi praised the judgment as a significant milestone in addressing colonial-era violations.