§ 7. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now give further information about the case of Mr. Victor Eluaka, who was flogged publicly at the market of Buruku, in the Plateau province of Northern Nigeria, for the alleged offence of delay in paying tax; and whether this penalty was imposed by a magistrate, an official, or by some unauthorised person?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Governor has now reported by telegram that the sentence of flogging was a judicial one imposed by the Alkali of Bukuru for non-payment of tax, and that it did not take place with the knowledge and approval of an administrative officer. The penalty provided by the Native Revenue Ordinance of Nigeria for 154 failure to pay tax does not include flogging, but the Governor is advised that Moslem law permits the flogging of a person "who continually puts off paying that which he has been ordered to pay." Sir Donald Cameron has given directions that in future a Native Court may not impose a punishment for any offence under an Ordinance which it is empowered to administer, except the punishment prescribed by such Ordinance. Legislative effect will be given to this. The Native Court concerned in this case is being reconstituted.