Court orders Police to pay #EndSARS protesters N10m for rights violation

The Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Nigeria Police to compensate a group of #EndSARS activists with N10 million for infringing on their fundamental rights during the fourth-anniversary protest on 20 October 2024.

Justice Musa Kakaki, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, found that the police breached the applicants’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and association, as protected under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The court affirmed that while the police are empowered to uphold law and order, such authority must be exercised within democratic norms and the rule of law. It held that the officers acted unlawfully by harassing, arresting and dispersing the peaceful demonstrators.

Those listed in the suit include 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 and Aisha Omolara.

Others are Thomas Abiodun Olamide, Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duronike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyemi and Afeez Suleiman.

The suit was also instituted on behalf of three rights groups: the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB) and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

Justice Kakaki underscored that law enforcement bodies must uphold civil liberties in a democracy, cautioning that any breach of these rights would attract judicial consequences.

The verdict is being welcomed as a win for civil freedoms and a caution to security agencies to act within the limits of the Constitution.