An Enugu State High Court has granted the motion for amendment in the case concerning the deaths of 21 coal miners allegedly killed by British colonial police during the November 18, 1949, Iva Valley massacre in Enugu.

In the suit, NO: E/909/2024, filed by Mazi Greg Nwachukwu Onoh on behalf of the victims’ families, the plaintiffs demanded accountability from the British Government, the Commonwealth, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

They sought an acknowledgment of liability, a formal apology from the British Government, and comprehensive compensation for the loss of their loved ones.

The ruling was delivered yesterday, during a court session, where the applicants sought to amend their claims in the ongoing legal battle

Counsel for the applicants, P.N. Agazie, Ozioma Eguzuruibe, Chidinma Eze, and Florence Iloanya, holding brief for lead counsel Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), filed the motion for amendment on June 3, 2025, supported by an 11-paragraph affidavit and one exhibit.

They also requested a date for a definite hearing.

The counsel for the third and fourth respondents, N.R. Chude, did not oppose the motion but requested time to file a consequential amendment. The first, second, and fifth respondents were unrepresented by counsel in court.

Presiding Judge, Justice A.O. Onovo, granted the applicants’ prayer, allowing 21 days for the consequential amendment to be filed. He also adjourned the matter to September 18 for definite hearing. (THISDAY)