A Nigerian High court has ordered the British government to pay £420 million in compensation to the families of 21 coal miners killed by colonial police at the Iva Valley mine in 1949.
The court ruled that the shootings were unlawful and amounted to an extrajudicial violation of the right to life.
Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu State High Court ruled that each family should receive £20 million and directed the British government to issue a formal apology to be published in newspapers in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The judgment also ordered post‑judgment interest of 10% per year until the full amount is paid.
The case was filed by human rights activist Greg Onoh, who sought acknowledgment of liability, an apology, and financial reparations on behalf of descendants of the victims.
Respondents included the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the British government; the Federal Government of Nigeria; the Attorney‑General of the Federation; and the Head of the Commonwealth. None of the British respondents appeared in court.
The killings occurred on Nov. 18, 1949, when miners at the Iva Valley site in Enugu staged a protest over harsh working conditions, racial wage disparities and unpaid back wages under British colonial rule.
When their demands were not met, the workers adopted a “go‑slow” strategy and occupied the mine to prevent management from locking them out. Colonial officers opened fire, killing 21 miners and injuring more than 50.
“These defenseless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions; they were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, yet they were shot and killed,” Justice Onovo said in his ruling.
The court also directed the Nigerian government to begin diplomatic engagement with the United Kingdom within 60 days to pursue enforcement of the ruling.
The British government has not yet responded to the judgment.
