The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to pay ₦10 million in damages for the unlawful harassment and rights violations of activists who took part in the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest on October 20, 2024.
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Musa Kakaki ruled that the activists were within their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and association, as guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).While acknowledging the police’s responsibility to maintain law and order, Justice Kakaki emphasized that such authority must be exercised within the bounds of democratic norms and the rule of law.
The court held that the activists were unjustly harassed and intimidated during what was a peaceful procession, resulting in a breach of their fundamental human rights.
The applicants in the suit included 23 individuals and three civil society organisations:
Individuals:Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Miss Osugba Blessing, Kayode Agbaje, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora, Orunsola Oluremi, Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon, Ugochukwu Prince, Aisha Omolara, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duronike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyemi, and Afeez Suleiman.
Organisations: Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
Human rights advocates have hailed the ruling as a major win for civil liberties and a strong reaffirmation of Nigerians’ right to protest peacefully. As of press time, the IGP has not issued an official statement in response to the court’s decision.
