She was washing her infant when the horrifying tragedy left her for dead in a pool of her own blood.

In a historic decision on Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Margaret Achalla, a nursing mother who was shot by police in her house back in 2000, N70 million in damages.

She was washing her infant when the horrifying tragedy left her for dead in a pool of her own blood.

In the basic human rights litigation FHC/ABJ/CS/105/2001 between Margaret Achalla and the Inspector General of Police and four other respondents, Justice G. Olotu, the presiding court, rendered the decision.

A 5% yearly interest charge on the N70 million was also imposed by the court until the judgement was settled in full.

The decision serves as a reminder of the value of justice and accountability, particularly in situations where there have been abuses of human rights.

Margaret Achalla and her family, who have had to put up with unspeakable suffering and misery for more than 20 years, have won.

This ruling emphasises how important it is for law enforcement organisations to protect the rule of law and safeguard human rights.

24 years after she was shot and 23 years after the lawsuit was filed, applicant’s attorney, Abubakar Marshal of the Falana & Falana Chambers, praised the court for finally issuing a decision in an interview with SaharaReporters.

The Falana Chambers revealed in a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Friday that the petitioner had stated she was an entrepreneur who lived in Utako, Abuja.

“That she was shot by recognised police officers, who left her lying in a pool of her own blood, as she was giving her newborn a bath.

“The plaintiff presented several documents to support her claim, including an X-ray report, police extracts, photos of her injured foot, medical reports and invoices from multiple hospitals, and guidance from the Department of Public Prosecution.

“In rendering a decision in a fundamental human rights lawsuit brought on her behalf by public interest and human rights attorneys Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, the judge found that the applicant had presented convincing and credible evidence supporting her claims.

“As a result, the court ruled that the shooting that killed her was illegal and unconstitutional, and it granted N10 million in general damages.

“The court also granted N50 million in punitive damages and an additional N10 million to cover litigation costs. and interest at 5% up to the judgment’s complete settlement,” the release said.