The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay ₦10 million in damages to a group of #EndSARS protesters for the violation of their fundamental human rights.
Justice Musa Kakaki, who delivered the ruling, held that the applicants were unjustly harassed and their constitutional rights infringed upon during the fourth #EndSARS memorial rally held on October 20, 2024.
The judge emphasized that although security agencies have the mandate to maintain public order, their actions must remain within the bounds of democratic principles and the rule of law.
“The applicants were engaged in peaceful protest and commemoration. The actions taken against them were excessive and unlawful,” Justice Kakaki ruled.
The applicants included Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Osugba Blessing. They were supported by advocacy groups such as the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIBM), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
Their suit detailed incidents of intimidation, beating, and unlawful detention by officers of the Nigeria Police Force during the peaceful rally.
In his judgment, Justice Kakaki noted that fundamental rights — including freedom of expression and assembly — are protected under Nigeria’s Constitution and cannot be curtailed arbitrarily.
The ruling is seen as a significant legal win for civic rights campaigners and a further affirmation of the rights of Nigerians to peacefully protest.
