The lawyers argued that the fundamental right to life of the slain miners was violated under both colonial-era and contemporary Nigerian laws.
Families of the victims of the 1949 Iva Valley coal miners’ massacre have taken legal action against the Nigerian government, the British government, and the Head of the Commonwealth, demanding justice and compensation for the killings carried out by colonial authorities.
The lawsuit, filed at the Enugu High Court with suit No. E/909/2024, was initiated by one Mr. Greg Nwachukwu Onoh on behalf of the bereaved families.
The plaintiffs are represented by human rights lawyers, Professor Akinseyi George (SAN) and P.N. Agazie.
The lawyers argued that the fundamental right to life of the slain miners was violated under both colonial-era and contemporary Nigerian laws.
Recall that on November 18, 1949, a British Superintendent of Police, F.S. Philip, commanding a number of British and Nigerian Police Officers ordered the shooting of unarmed protesting coal mine workers of the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu, Enugu State, who were on strike.
The shooting workers who were protesting over their harsh working conditions and demanding fair salaries, led to the killing 21 miners while 51 others were wounded.
The suit therefore centered on the November 18, 1949, tragic events.
The plaintiffs contended that the use of lethal force was excessive and unlawful, constituting a grave human rights violation under domestic and international law.
The plaintiffs named the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, the British Government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Head of the Commonwealth as respondents in the suit.
They argued that the execution of the miners amounted to state-sanctioned murder and a flagrant abuse of human rights.
They also demanded an acknowledgment of liability, a formal apology from the British Government, and comprehensive compensation for the families of the victims.
Recall that on November 12, 2024, the Enugu High Court granted the applicants permission to proceed with their case, including authorization for substituted service of court documents on the respondents.
The substantive hearing was initially set for February 13, 2025.
At the hearing, presiding judge Justice A.O. Onovo considered a request for an adjournment from Mrs. N.R. Chude, counsel for the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Chude argued that additional time was needed to file a rejoinder, a request that was not opposed by lead counsel for the applicants, Prof Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN).
Following deliberation, the court granted the adjournment, scheduling a definitive hearing for April 15, 2025.
The families of the slain miners continue to seek justice, asserting that the massacre represents one of the darkest chapters of colonial rule in Nigeria, warranting full accountability and reparations.
