Abiri Jones: Nigerian government to pay N10m damages to journalist detained for two years

A federal high court has awarded N10 million damages Jones Abiri, the Nigerian journalist detained illegal for two years.

According to the Abuja Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Nigerian government would pay Mr Abiri, the sum of N10,000,000 because the journalist was outrightlt convictied by the government by detaining him for two years after taking his statement.

While delivering his judgement today,  Nnamdi Dimgba said the government contravenes with the journalist’s right after he was detained for two years after his arrest,  an act tantamount to conviction.

Mr Abiri, who was arraigned on militancy in Abuja had been in detention ever since his arrest in August 2016, an act which was heavily criticised by human rights groups and the media.

Abiri received justice today, after his lawyers, led by human rights activist, Femi Falana filed a fundamental suit against the Federal government.