Benue Court Directs Nigerian Army To Pay ₦800 Million Over Killing Of BIRS Staff

Benue Court Directs Nigerian Army To Pay ₦800 Million Over Killing Of BIRS Staff

A Benue State High Court in Makurdi has ruled that the Nigerian Army and ten others must pay ₦800 million in damages for the unlawful killing of Sixtus Akure, a senior tax officer with the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS). This decision, issued by Justice Theresa Shija, comes three years after Mr. Akure’s tragic death……… CONTINUE READING 

Mr. Akure was abducted from his duty post in 2022 and subsequently found dead near Aper Aku Estate in Makurdi. The court case, initiated by former BIRS Chairman Mrs. Mimi Orubibi, began with a Coroner Inquest that attributed Mr. Akure’s death to the Nigerian Army.

Mrs. Orubibi, representing Mr. Akure’s family, filed the lawsuit naming the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army Council, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Commanding Officer of the 72 Special Forces in Makurdi, Captain Osita Obe (then adjutant of 72 Special Forces), and five soldiers as defendants.

The Nigerian Army’s objections were dismissed by the court, which ruled in favor of Mr. Akure’s widow, Catherine Akure. Justice Shija ordered the respondents to pay ₦800 million as compensation for violating Mr. Akure’s right to life. Additionally, the court directed BIRS to provide Mrs. Akure with a permanent and pensionable position, correcting her previous casual appointment following her husband’s death.

Mrs. Akure expressed gratitude to the judiciary for delivering justice and acknowledged Mrs. Mimi Orubibi’s steadfast support throughout the family’s ordeal. She also thanked her lawyer, Desmond Wendeh, and affirmed that the compensation would support her children and her deceased husband’s mother.