The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ruled that the Nigerian Police Force violated the constitutional rights of peaceful protesters during the fourth #EndSARS memorial held on October 20, 2024.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki, the court ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to jointly pay the sum of ₦10 million as compensation to the affected protesters for the breach of their fundamental human rights.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that the protesters, including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing, were part of a peaceful memorial demonstration to mark the anniversary of the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The court affirmed that they were unjustly harassed, detained, and subjected to degrading treatment by law enforcement officers.
Protesters’ Rights Infringed During Peaceful Rally
The court held that the actions of the police constituted an unlawful infringement on the protesters’ rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and dignity as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Justice Kakaki emphasized that while the police possess the legal authority to maintain law and order, this power must be exercised within the bounds of democratic principles and the rule of law. He noted that peaceful protests remain a vital instrument in any democracy, and their suppression through force or intimidation undermines civil liberties.
Rights Groups Join Legal Action
The case was instituted by a coalition of individuals and human rights groups, including:
- Education Rights Campaign (ERC)
- Take It Back Movement (TIBM)
- Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR)
These organizations had condemned what they described as “state-sponsored harassment” of peaceful demonstrators during the 2024 EndSARS memorial rally held in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Background: What Happened on October 20, 2024?
The fourth memorial of the #EndSARS protest was marked by a peaceful procession to honor victims of the 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shooting. However, eyewitness reports and video footage showed multiple arrests, harassment, and reported assaults on participants by armed police personnel deployed to the protest site.
Some demonstrators alleged they were detained without cause, beaten, and denied access to legal representation.
Key Protesters Named in the Suit:
- Hassan Taiwo Soweto
- Uadiale Kingsley
- Ilesanmi Kehinde
- Osopale Adeseye
- Olamilekan Sanusi
- Miss Osugba Blessing
The applicants presented medical reports and sworn affidavits detailing the psychological and physical trauma they endured during and after the arrests.
What the Judgment Means
This court ruling reaffirms the constitutional protection of civil liberties in Nigeria, particularly the right to peaceful protest. Legal experts believe it sets a precedent for future accountability in cases involving state overreach and police misconduct.
Human rights advocates have applauded the judgment, urging the federal and state governments to implement reforms that prevent the repeat of such violations.
Reactions and Implications
While the Nigeria Police Force has yet to release an official response to the ruling, civil society groups are calling for disciplinary action against officers involved in the abuse and for prompt payment of the damages awarded.
The ruling may also encourage more victims of past abuses during the #EndSARS era to seek legal redress.
