OSOGBO, Nigeria — Justice Michael Awe of the Osun High Court on Monday, August 7, 2023, ordered a compensation sum of N20 million against a Department of State Services, DSS, operative, David Olowoporoku, and a policewoman, Medinat Badmus, over the tragic death of Corporal Rauf Fawale.
The incident, which took place in January 2021 during a birthday party in Osogbo, saw Olowoporoku reportedly striking Fawale with the butt of his gun.
This, the court found, directly led to Fawale’s subsequent death.
Justice Awe, addressing the fundamental rights enforcement suit brought forward by the deceased’s father, Rabiu Fawale, and wife, Mrs Bilikis Fawale, emphasized that Olowoporoku’s violent act was the primary cause of Fawale’s untimely passing.
Additionally, Badmus was deemed complicit for her role in concealing the incident, which in turn, deprived the injured officer of vital medical care.
While the plaintiffs initially sought a compensation of N500 million against several respondents, including the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and other high-ranking officials, the court determined that many of the named parties were not directly responsible. Consequently, only Olowoporoku and Badmus were deemed liable.
Justice Awe stated, “The emotional and financial trauma experienced by the deceased’s family, combined with the significant roles held by the liable parties, necessitate a substantial compensation.”
The judgment clarified, “The act of the fifth respondent [Olowoporoku], in which he inflicted injury upon Fawale using a gun butt, directly violated the deceased’s constitutional right to life. Similarly, the fourth respondent’s [Badmus] failure to disclose vital information further infringed upon this right.”
In light of these findings, the court determined that both Olowoporoku and Badmus are to jointly bear the financial burden of the N20 million damages awarded to Fawale’s family.
