The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has delivered a landmark judgment, finding the Federal Republic of Nigeria in violation of human rights.
The case centered around the events during peaceful protests at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State on October 20th and 21st, 2020.
The Court held that Nigeria breached several provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, these violations pertained to the right to life, security of person, freedom of expression, assembly and association, prohibition of torture, the duty of the State to investigate, and the right to an effective remedy.
As a consequence, the Court ordered Nigeria to pay each of the three applicants—Obianuju Catherine Udeh, Perpetual Kamsi, and Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka—two million naira as compensation for the violations they suffered.
Additionally, the Court mandated that the Security Agents responsible for these offenses be prosecuted. The country must also report within six months on the measures taken to implement this judgment.
Nigeria denied all claims made by the applicants, asserting that the protesters unlawfully assembled at Lekki Toll Gate under the guise of protesting against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The Respondent maintained that its agents followed strict rules of engagement and did not shoot or kill protesters.
Justice Koroma Mohamed Sengu, the Judge Rapporteur, clarified that while the allegation of violating the right to life was dismissed, Nigeria was still held accountable for other breaches. The Court emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring justice for victims.
