The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has asked the Federal Government to pay 75,000 dollars (N27 million) as compensation in a case of violation of right to life.

The court on Tuesday in Abuja ordered that the compensation be paid to Wing Commander Danladi Angulu-Kwasu (rtd) for the death of his son, El-Shadai Angulu-Kwasu in Kaduna State.

Late19-year-old Angulu-Kwasu, who was an officer cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), died on April 30, 2015 during a watermaship training organised by the academy in the state.

The applicant alleged that his son was forced to take part in the exercise even when he mentioned that he could not swim.

The applicant stated that the officials of NDA murdered his son by pushing him without the necessary safety equipment into the Kangimi Dam, a 100-metre-deep lake, where the training was held.

He also said that the authorities failed to investigate the matter or prosecute officials accordingly.

The court, however, ruled that the negligence and incompetence of the authorities was unlawful and a violation of the right to life of the applicant in line with international laws.

Presiding judge, Justice Friday Nwoke said that the defendant was “under a duty to make full repatriation to the applicant”.

“Nothing was done by the defendant to investigate the matter or assuage the applicant.

“The court orders the defendant to pay 75, 000 dollars as compensation for unlawful deprivation of the applicant’s life.”

The court further ordered the Federal Government to investigate the matter and prosecute accordingly those found wanting.

The court had earlier declared the case admissible and ruled that it had jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed. (NAN)