Nigerian court orders UK to pay $572 million over colonial killings

A Nigerian court has ordered the British government to pay £420 million ($570 million) to the families of 21 coal miners who were killed by British security forces in 1949 during colonial rule, according to a report from the state-run news agency. 

"These defenseless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions," Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court stated. "They were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, but yet were shot and killed."

The ruling, marks the end of a long-standing battle for justice over the killings, which many in Nigeria view as one of the catalysts for the country's independence movement. Nigeria officially gained independence from Britain 11 years later, in 1960.

The incident occurred at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu state, southeastern Nigeria, where the miners were protesting against poor working conditions. While they were occupying the mine, colonial police opened fire, killing 21 and injuring several others.

The judge also noted that the Nigerian government had failed in its constitutional duty to seek justice for the victims.

Lawyers for the victims called the ruling a historic step forward, saying it brought "historical accountability and justice for colonial-era violations" and reaffirmed that the right to life knows no borders or changes in sovereignty, according to Yemi Akinseye-George, one of the legal representatives for the applicants.

The British government declined to comment, and no representatives from the UK participated in the court proceedings.