Mudashiru Lukman, a member of the House of Representatives in Nigeria, has taken a stand against the Nigeria Police for their refusal to compensate Adetola Abdulazeez, a woman who was physically assaulted during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown in Osun State. Despite a Federal High Court ruling in 2021 ordering the police to pay Abdulazeez N5 million in damages, the police have not fulfilled this judgement. Subsequently, Lukman has sought the House’s intervention by filing a petition to address this injustice.
Lukman expressed his disappointment with the police’s lack of compliance with the court order, emphasizing that a law enforcement agency should respect judicial decisions. He highlighted the need to ensure that the victim receives the compensation as mandated by the court, emphasizing the importance of upholding women’s rights.
The petition has been submitted to the Reps Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and has garnered the House’s approval for a legislative review. The House Committee on Human Rights is set to address the petition, although a date for the hearing is yet to be scheduled. Lukman affirmed his commitment to pursuing the victim’s rightful compensation, underscoring the significance of condemning assaults, particularly those targeting women.
This case exemplifies the ongoing struggle for justice and the protection of human rights in Nigeria. The refusal of the police to adhere to a court’s decision reflects a broader issue of accountability and the rule of law within the country. As the legislative process unfolds, many will be closely watching to see if justice will prevail for Abdulazeez and if the police will be held accountable for their actions.
