The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to jointly pay ₦10 million in damages to a group of peaceful protesters violated during the EndSARS memorial in 2024.
The judgment, delivered by Justice M. Kakaki on Thursday represents a significant legal win for human rights campaigners and civil society groups in Nigeria.
The applicants — a collective of young Nigerians and activists — had participated in a peaceful procession held to commemorate the fourth year since the EndSARS protests rocked Nigeria in 2020.
Those historic protests were sparked by nationwide outrage over police brutality, particularly perpetrated by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The 2024 memorial gathering in Lagos was meant to be a solemn event, but it ended in chaos when law enforcement officers allegedly used force to disperse participants, detaining several without cause.
Following the incident, a group of 20 individuals filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian police authorities, claiming unlawful arrest, harassment, and a breach of their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
The plaintiffs include Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Osugba Blessing, and 14 others, many of whom are affiliated with civil society and student activist groups.
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Notably, the suit also received institutional backing from the Education Rights Campaign, the Take It Back Movement, and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights — organizations that have consistently been vocal in their criticism of government repression and police excesses.
In his ruling, Justice Kakaki emphasized that while the Nigerian Constitution grants police the authority to enforce public order, such powers must be exercised in a manner consistent with democratic values, including the rule of law and respect for civil liberties.
“The applicants were within their rights to peacefully assemble and commemorate a national tragedy. The unwarranted harassment they suffered constitutes a direct violation of their constitutional rights,” the judge stated.
The court awarded general damages of ₦10 million to be paid jointly by the office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Police Command. Justice Kakaki added that the judgment should serve as a warning to law enforcement officers who act outside the scope of lawful conduct, particularly in the context of civil demonstrations.
Activist groups involved in the case issued a joint statement shortly after the judgment, praising the judiciary for “standing on the side of justice” and reiterating their commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian citizens, especially youths whose voices have often been stifled through intimidation.
Frank Talk
