Lagos Court orders Police to pay ₦10m in damages for violating rights of EndSARS Protesters
In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to pay ₦10 million in damages for violating the fundamental rights of EndSARS protesters during a memorial rally held in 2024.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki on Thursday, found that the police breached the rights of demonstrators who had gathered peacefully at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2024. The rally was organised to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the initial EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality.
During the memorial, officers of the Lagos State Police Command arrested at least 20 protesters. These individuals were reportedly detained in a police van for several hours before being released without any charges.
This action prompted a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by 22 individuals, supported by three prominent civic organisations: the Education Rights Campaign, Take It Back Movement, and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights.
The applicants in the suit included a diverse group of individuals such as Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, 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, Duroonike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, and Afeez Suleiman.
Named as respondents in the suit were the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, the Governor of Lagos State, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State.
The core of the applicants’ plea was for redress against what they described as an unlawful arrest and a clear violation of their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding civil liberties and holding state actors accountable for actions that infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights.
This ruling is expected to resonate widely, particularly among civil society groups and advocates for police reform in Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of constitutional protections for peaceful protest and assembly.
